Main Signs and Aspects of Amending the Authentic Victorian Dresses

The Victorian dresses are magnificent, classy and rich in history. They are worn back in the days of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) and are designed uniquely. Whether this is a sign of your affection to vintage style or you are into gathering historical apparel, it is a good idea to know what to look at when you are presented with the real Victorian dress.

This tutorial will examine the primary characteristics of original Victorian garments, identifying an original Victorian apparel and the clues that may help find out a replica. Being a collector or a history enthusiast or a simple inquisitive person, this article will put you at ease to comprehend the specialness of these dresses.

1. Learning about Victorian Fashion Eras

Fashion of the Victorian times evolved quite a bit. To distinguish a realistic Victorian dress, you are to be aware of the diversified styles of both periods:

Early Victorian (1837-1860): Dresses were designed with huge skirts in a bell shape held by petticoat and crinolines. Sleeves were full and the necklines were very high.

Mid Victorian (1860-1880): Skirts were made flatter in the front and propped out behind where they are referred to as a bustle. Tight corsets were the order of the day.

Late Victorian (1880-1901): The dresses were more natural in shape and their bustles were less, and simple in form. In 1890s, sleeves were made puffier once again.

Being familiar with these changes, you may see with which era a Victorian dress can be associated.

2. The Characteristic elements of the Real Victorian Dresses.

A. It was a dress made out of natural materials such as:

1. Silk
2. Wool
3. Cotton
4. Linen

There was no such a thing as synthetic fabrics such as polyester. In case a dress is artificial, then it is most probably a new reproduction.

B. Structured silhouettes and Corsets

Due to corset, Victorian dresses were made very fitted around the waist. The real Victorian dress will often possess:

Boning (strips of whalebone or metal) in the bodice

Lacing at back or hooks, so as to fit close

A thin, trim waistline

C. Skirt Profile and Supports

Victorian skirts were not flat, they were bulky. They were depending, according to the era, supported by:

Crinolines(1850s-1860s): Skirts became very large using wire cages.

Bustles (1870s-1880s): Pad or frames to raise the rear of the skirt

Petticoats (all the period): The garments that made it plumpier by adding layers of fabrics

A dress may be lacking these stays or its skirt can be very simple, then it may not be authentic.

D. Styles of sleeves

Sleeves evolved:

1830s-1840s Wide at the top, narrow at the wrist Gigot (leg-of-mutton) sleeves

1850s-1860s: Laced or ruffled fitted sleeves

1890s: Puffed leg-of-mutton sleeves re-appeared

A truly Victorian dress will also have period sleeves.

E. Necklines and Collars

High neckline was common in Victorian dresses and was either in lace or ruffles. There were some common styles like:

Bertha collar: A broad flat collar, which covered the shoulders

V-neck or square neck (evening dress)

Around the neck, it had high neck and a lace jabot (decorative frill).

Low cut dresses were hard to find and were mostly worn during evening dresses.

F. Buttons, Closures and Stitching

Buttons: Victoria dresses were made with small and delicate looking buttons which were metal, glass or pearl. Plastic buttons never had been used.

Fastenings: Hooks and eyes, lacing or tiny buttons. There were no zippers at that time.

Stitching: It used hand-stitching. The late nineteenth century saw more popularity of machine stitching albeit in a neat and precise manner.

3. How to know that a dress of the Victorian era is original or replica

Quite a number of Victorian looking dresses currently in the market are modern. The difference can be spotted by doing the following:

A. Fabric Inspection

Authentic Victorian gowns: Dresses are bulky, can be a bit faded and can be worn out.

Replicas: So-called replicas are often made with non-rigid, reflective or artificial material.

B. View the Labels

Authentic dresses: There may or may not be labels and they can be handwritten.

Reproductions In modern times: Problems may include printed tags with brand names.

C. Take a look at the Construction

Seam work: Uneven hand-sewing or small warts on the seam indicate a dress made earlier.

Stitching: Machine stitching. Too perfect maybe it is newer.

D. Smell and Condition

Old dresses: They might have old musty smell.

New dresses: Breed odors of either new fabric or chemicals.

4. Victorian Dress Care

In case you have a real Victorian dress, treat it well:

Keep in a cool dry area where it is not exposed to sunlight.

Do not launder it do spot clean when necessary.

To make sleeves and skirts retain shape, use acid-free tissue paper to stuff them.

Conclusion

Victorian dresses are beautiful historical pieces of clothing having distinct models. The fabric, construction and style also helps in telling whether a dress was of the Victorian times or it is a new variant.

In case you just collect them and put on as jewels during special occasions or even admire them, you will be able to understand them better in view of such information.

In case you are a fan of historical clothes, Victorian dresses are the piece of history you can learn about. Remember these points, and you will be able to identify an authentic Victorian dress with no doubts!