Green Striped Silk Fringe Peplum 1850's Dress: a little padding goes a long way

 Victorian Civil War Era Green Plaid Silk Taffeta Hoop Skirt Pagoda Sleeves Dress

From the Seller

This antique Victorian Civil War era green plaid silk taffeta hoop skirt fringed pagoda sleeves dress dates from the 1860s. It is made of green silk taffeta fabric with a black and white polka dot plaid striped pattern. This gorgeous green gown has a long floor length full hoop skirt (hoop not included underneath), with side pockets, an attached shorter overskirt apron peplum waist overhang, a fitted bodice with beige silk fringe trim edging along the shoulders, cuffs, with long full wide bell shape pagoda sleeves, brass hook closures down the front hidden underneath, missing the outer buttons down the front and is fully lined in a brown cotton fabric with bust enhancers padding sewn inside. The dress measures 54 inches long, with a 34 inch bust, 21 inch waist, 20 inch long sleeve and 14 inch back. It is in good as-is condition with some faint underarm stains, a small faint stain with frayed hole on the top front skirt which is covered by the shorter overskirt (see close-up). This is truly a rare and wonderful piece of antique Victoriana Civil War era wearable art!

From the Industrious Lady

Before even looking at the pictures, I read the description and couldn't believe the measurement. There was a 13" difference between her waist and bust measurements even for an antique dress! Something extremely weird was going on. And it was one of three things.

Option A) the original wearer had an insanely hourglass figure

Option B) She tightlaced very tightly in her corset 

or option C) The dress had padding. 

On a closer look at the dress, its C! The bust has sewn in pads that give the illusion of the bosom being much larger than it is. I've seen many a facebook post marveling at how tiny waists are and how poor those women are to be forced to be that small. Well, I'll let you in on a little secret...

They cheated!!!!!!

Women are amazing and strong, throughout history, we  built nations and felled them (often times without the men even realizing). But  our bodies are as unique as the snowflakes, few fit into the  idea of the perfect figure, even back in the 19th century. A little extra help hear, or a little extra help there might be needed. Think of it as the Victorian version of a padded bra. Maybe instead of Victoria's secret we could call it Victorian Secret!

Looking at other details, its interesting to note that the dress is actually 1850's, not 1860's. The epulets, the peplum, the trim placement, all point to the years before the war. It is kinda cool to notice that while there are not buttons, the bodice has both hand sewn buttonholes and hook and eyes.