Girl's 1850s/1860s Underwear - Age 2-8

I have been working on new products for the shop and this is my prototype for a set of girl's underwear c.1850-1865.

The set includes a pair of cotton lawn split-split crotch drawers trimmed with cotton broderie anglais lace and tiny tucks at the hems. These tie closed at the waist with  drawstring allowing them to be adjusted for comfort.

The hooped crinoline skirt is made from a pretty broderie anglais poly cotton with a scalloped hem and has two 7mm spiral steel bones. Although a little heavier than polyester boning, these steel bones are not as heavy as you might expect as they are not solid and provide a much better level of support for the skirt. They are flexible and bend easily when squeezed or sat on, but they spring back into shape to support the skirts correctly.

The skirt buttons closed at the centre back and tiny button holes in the waistband allow the skirt to be buttoned to the bodice, creating a more comfortable fit at the waist.

The bodice is made of a heavy cotton twill and bound at the edges with bias binding with decorative stitching that imitates the boning or cording channels on original children's corsets. Please note, however, that there is no boning, cording or restriction of any kind in this garment - the stitching is purely decorative.

The bodice buttons closed at the centre back with four mother of pearl buttons and there are six small buttons around the bottom which the hooped crinoline skirt can be attached to. The skirt can be worn with or without this bodice. All of the buttonholes are worked by hand.

This set will soon be available in my Esty shop. It will be made to order and available in sizes age 2-8. 

I will also be working on developing separate garments including the drawers, a chemise, a child's corset with corded detail (but no lacing or restriction) and separate petticoats. For historical re-enactors and anyone requiring a greater level of authenticity, the crinoline will also be available in 100% cotton. 

If you are interested in any of these garments keep checking back here for updates. I will post when the various items have been listed for sale on Etsy and keep you updated on the progress for the individual garments. 

If you have any questions or would like to enquire about custom-made versions of these garments please do not hesitate to contact me at bygoneelegance@gmail.com.