Fabric And Materials In The Victorian Era

The different fabric and materials that were used in the Victorian era really depended on the status of where you are in the social hour. More expensive fabrics, of course, were for the upper class and the more dense, durable fabrics were for the poor.
As for the upper classes, fabrics such as silk was very popular. The climate, however, was not suitable for silkworms to be raised. Skeins would be imported from the India and Bengal colonies.(Baird) Manufacturing firms would not have any factories, although, many weavers would be employed.(Baird) Each weaver would have their own loom and workshop. From there, the silk would be dyed and distributed to the weavers to make specific types of cloth.(Baird) These types included: velvet, satin, damasks,

As far as undergarments go, women wore a chemise, long knickers, corsets, and petticoats.(“Victorian Era Life in England. Victorians Society & Daily Life.”) There were also various others that accommodated these basic pieces of underwear such as the crinoline, the bustle and corset covers. The chemise was made of white linen and had short sleeves. However, as time passed the chemise became sleeveless with a round U-shaped neckline.(“Victorian Era Life in England. Victorians Society & Daily Life.”) The corset was another popular option and it was to help shape the woman figure. Petticoats were used for an undergarment as well as a like a structural garment. They became regarded as a symbol of femininity and gave shape to the

Many wore the finest fabrics paired with a collar to protect them from the sun.(Dyer) With the various layers, upper-class women needed maids to help them dress. In the 1860s, skirts were flat and the day dresses had pagoda sleeves and a high neckline.(“Victorian Era Life in England. Victorians Society & Daily Life.”) By 1870, the tea-gowns were used for casual gatherings. The crinoline was used to make the skirt of dresses wider instead of using numerous petticoats. However, the trend waned and the use of bustles began to appear. Bustles were pieces added to the back of the skirt to hold it up. Bustles usually had ruffles and pleats in the back to add to the overall uniqueness and style.(“Victorian Era Life in England. Victorians Society & Daily Life.”) As far as accessories go, hats were originally worn for protection from the sun but became a social status symbol. In addition to fancy hats, gloves, shawls, fans, brooches, and other jewelry was worn.(Dyer) The shoes are worn by the women always had pointed or squared heels and were marked as a luxury