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1800 - 1810
The necklines were very low. Also the sleeves were all different lengths. The woman had used light weight fabrics, in the 1800s the women they made light brush strokes on their clothing. -
1810 - 1820
Dresses had become more structured and the skirt hems widened. The sleeves began to grow fuller ever so slightly. Soon the soft colours had reappeared after a 10 year absence. Only some fabric tremmings were used extensivly. -
1820 - 1830
This era was named "the romantic era". It was named this because the clothing became more complex and increasingly structured. Wide lapels created shoulder emphasis and the sleeves and shoulders were further emphasized with extended wings. The waistline dropped increasingly. -
1830 - 1840
In the 1830s, the first cross cut Gigot or Leg O’ mMtton sleeves arrive. The previous shoulder fullness fell toward the elbow and sleeves became huge. Ankle length skirts became quite full and needed several petticoats beneath for support. -
1840 - 1850
This era is presented as " the gothic era". It is called that becasue fashion lines wilted into drooping ringlets and dragging skirts. Sleeves lost their fullness and became fitted; shoulders were extended undertheir natural line and skirt hems went down to the floor. -
1850 - 1860
By 1855, the hoop had swayed on to the scene and skirts expanded to their maximum size. Women were delighted to wear the cage as it provided relief from the weight of a lot of petticoats. The hoop was worn by almost everyone and could be seen on ladies, maids, the middle class and shop girls. -
1860 - 1870
1860 was the era of the skirt. As the skirt developed, the back emphasis saw the creation of the first bustle, which had appeared by 1868. The big, soft, high and very draped bustle skirt enjoyed its popularity for 8 years. The big, soft, high and very draped bustle skirt enjoyed its popularity for 8 years.
