Lecture: From Petticoats to Pockets: Getting Dressed in the 18th Century

A special presentation on 18th-century women’s clothing by Hannah Peterson and Kristel Henry If you think getting dressed every morning is a chore, imagine what it took for a woman to look good in the 1700s. There were petticoats and stays, of course, but also a whole lot of other things under those skirts. From detachable “pockets” to hip pads and bum rolls designed to lift a woman’s skirts and make her waist look small, it was no easy task to assemble an outfit. Many garments couldn’t be fastened without the help of another person, so it is no wonder that if women could afford it, they would hire a maidservant to help them dress. Curious to know exactly what it took to get dressed in the 18th century? Come learn from Old York’s own historic clothing experts, Hannah Peterson and Kristel Henry, as they explain the complexities of a woman’s wardrobe. As living history enthusiasts they have extensive experience constructing and wearing reproduction clothing. Using a combination of historic and reproduction examples, Peterson and Henry will examine each layer of clothing, explore various clothing construction techniques and materials, and discuss the difference between lower and upper class garments.