Next to her skin, a lady wore a linen or cotton garment called a chemise or shift. The purpose of this garment was to protect the other clothing from sweat and body oils – the chemise could be washed while the rest of the outfit, generally, could not. Over the shift the stays were worn. This garment provided the proper silhouette.  The stays were made using the Simplicity 3635 pattern, out of print but available on Ebay and Etsy.

 

A hooped petticoat was worn to create the stylish shape of the skirt. Over this one or more petticoats were worn. At this time, the term “petticoat” referred to a skirt rather than a slip, as it does today. Over the petticoat or skirt, a robe (or mantua) was worn. For most of the 18th century, the robe was open in the front to display the petticoat. Petticoats could match the robe or contrast with it, depending on the needs of the wearer.  These were made using Manuta Maker’s Patterns – it is now 2 patterns.  One for the full pannier and one for the 2 smaller ones.