Basic Underpinnings

Underpinnings: A fancy period name for the undergarments of the Era. A proper lady of 1862 would wear more underneath her dress than most women of the 2000’s wear even on the coldest days. Underpinnings served many purposes. Not only did they help to achieve the look of the period, but they protected the clothing from body oils and odors. With the difficulty of laundering and the non-existence of dry-cleaning, clothing had to be protected more from the human body on the inside than the spills and stains that could occur on the outside. As heavy coats were not common, many women wore extra layers under their dresses or made their underpinnings out of flannel or wool in the cooler weather, to help keep them warm. With the size of the hoops skirts, drawers were worn for modesty. To be historically correct your underpinnings should be made of 100% cotton. Almost all underpinnings were white, although there are references to colored petticoats.

 
All our underpinnings are made with 100% white cotton and trimmed with 100% cotton eyelet.

Chemise $30.00 Select Standard Chemise Short Chemise Sleeveless Chemise Size Petite Small Medium Large Xlarge XXlarge XXXlarge	Banded Chemise $45.00 Petite Small Medium Large Xlarge XXlarge XXXlarge	Ladies Drawers     Standard cotton drawers $25.00 Flannel drawers $30.00 Plain legged drawers with hand made simple border lace $35.00 Select Split Crotch Drawers Closed Crotch Drawers Select Standard Drawers Flannel Drawers Drawers w/Border Lace Select Size Petite Small Medium Large Xlarge XXlarge XXXlarge Xlarge w/lace XXclarge w/lace XXXlarge w/lace Flannel closed crothched
Petticoat Basic Underhoop     (no trim)      $20.00 BasicUnderhoop (simple flounce)       $25.00 Basic Tucked Petticoat (5 rows of pin-tucking, hem finished with eyelet lace) $35.00 Basic Overhoop for 90" Hoop      *worn if you do not want to wear a hoop $30.00 Basic Overhoop for 120" Hoop      *most common $35.00 160" Overhoop for those larger hoops and ballgowns CUSTOM ORDER ITEM $60.00 Select Basic Underhoop Basic Underhoop Flounced Basic Tucked Petticoat Basic Overhoop for 90" Basic Overhoop for 120" 160" Overhoop Petticoat Waistband Draw string Custom fitted-add $15 Size Petite Small Medium Large Xlarge XXlarge XXXlarge	Full Set of Underpinnings A A great set to get you started! Chemise Drawers  90” Overhoop Petticoat $90.00  add Simple Underhoop Petticoat $100.00  ** The garments are made with cotton and trimmed with the same trim and ribbon, to make a matching set.    Full Set of Underpinnings B Perfect set if you do not want to wear a hoop  skirt! Chemise Drawers Corded Petticoat $100.00   Select Full Set Underpinnings A Add Underhoop Petticoat Full Set Underpinnings B Size Petite Small Medium Large Xlarge XXlarge XXXlarge	Corset Cover $30.00 Size Petite Small Medium Large Xlarge XXlarge XXXlarge

From the Inside Out 

Women wore approximately 7 layers of clothing under their clothing every day.

  The first layer is drawers or pantalettes.  These were usually made of cotton and served as a modesty item.   During the period they were basically two legs attached to a waistband so the crotch area is open from front to back. 
 

The second layer is your chemise.  The chemise is worn next to the body and protects your corset and other garments from your body oils and perspiration and from your corset pinching you.

The third layer is your foundation garment.  Whether you choose a corset or working stays this layer was important for the period look.  It also helped to support your back and carry the weight of your other clothing. 

The fourth layer is a corset cover or camisole as the more modern term.  This was meant to protect your corset from your other clothing and the other layers from rubbing on your corset. 

The fifth layer is your under petticoat or modesty slip.  This served several purposes.  When wore under a hoop it provided a layer of modesty if the hoop was to flip and reveal more than the wearer wished. .  When made with quilting or flannel these provided additional warmth. 

The sixth layer is your skirt support. Whether a hoop, cage or corded petticoat this layer is what gives you the bell or dome look in the lower half. 

The seventh layer is the over petticoats.  These served to smooth the line of the skirt and hide the “bones” of your hoop.  Anywhere u to 5 petticoats may be worn depending on the circumstances.

Over all this your bodice and skirt was worn.