Apron Front Work Dress c. 1795 - 1810

From a family collection in Pennsylvania, this dress was gifted in 2007 to the Fashion Archives and Museum of Shippensburg University.

This is an interesting combination of 18th c construction and bodice shape but with the updated waistline level and new style of sleeve. The sleeve is set with the gathers at the top of the sleevehead and it seam set at the body’s side seam. The skirt is a very full 144” and made from selvedge to selvedge rectangles and it is set about 1/2” higher than the bottom of the bodice. It has a drawstring apron skirt which can be worn under or over the front bodice. Images at the left show with the skirt front under the front bodice.

FIT:

In the late eighteen to early nineteenth century, this dress would have been worn over a chemise, corset, and with at least one petticoat. It is fitted but not tight.

FABRIC:

The original fabric is a cotton roller print with a linen lining.

CHOOSING SIZE:

When deciding which size is correct for you to use, measure your bust, preferably with your corset and underpinnings on. This is an important measurement as the center front pins close, so there is room for minor adjustments. The drawstring waist of the apron front also allows for individual fit.