Chemisette
A chemisette (from French, "little chemise") is an article of women's clothing worn to fill in the front and neckline of any garment. Chemisettes give the appearance of a blouse or shirt worn under the outer garment without adding bulk at the waist or upper arm.
Chemisettes of
day dresses in the mid-19th century, and could be decorated with tucks, embroidery (especially whitework), or lace
.
When wide pagoda sleeves were fashionable (1850s), chemisettes might have matching engageantes (false undersleeves).
See also
- Godey's Lady's Book (links to online editions)
- 1850s in fashion
- 1860s in fashion
- Dickey (garment), a similar false-front mostly for men's shirts in the early 20th century
- Trim (sewing)
- Victorian fashion
References
- S.F.A. Caulfield and B.C. Saward, The Dictionary of Needlework, 1885.
- ISBN 0-308-10052-2)