1782-1790

This striped linen short gown is worn over a striped petticoat. The gown has festoon-like sections in the rear, which is held up by a rump ruffle. To further emphasize the front interest, a large kerchief was often added, puffed under the chin to achieve a pouter pigeon effect. This kerchief was usually of gauze. The shaped gown is tied over the kerchief at the bosom which allows the gown to flow open to reveal the corset. The full-length sleeve is fitted by silk ribbon. Petticoats were sometimes constructed with pleats to be left down as the person grew taller or as the skirt bottom became frayed. In Paris, ladies old and young wore pads behind to change the silhouette to a front-back interest, as was popular in the late 1780s and early 1790s.

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