Historical Notes: Young Ladies' Daydresses

Source: Leisch, Juanita.  Who Wore What? Gettysburg: Thomas Publications, 1995.
  • Children's Clothing rarely changed during the mid 19th century.
  • The predominant style for young ladies (ages 6-15) consisted of wide/ sometimes off-the-shoulder necklines, natural waistlines, and various styles of sleeves.
  • It was not until after the American Civil War did the harshness and rigidity of children's clothing emerge (i.e. dressing children "like little adults").
  • Be mindful that little girls in this period of time were being corseted from the age of two.

Source: Leisch, Juanita.  Who Wore What? Gettysburg: Thomas Publications, 1995.
Historical Notes are for educational purposes only. Please note that all images are copyrighted. 
Text copyright Susan Jarrett.