1770-1799 Settlement

Coming soon

As we work to digitise the collection, the 1770s to the 1790s will be added

General history of Fashion c1760-90

Women's fashions during George III's reign passed through four stages, from wides-kirted gowns to simply cut dresses. The gown, with a very full skirt and fitted pointed bodice, was generally open right down the front, showing the elaborate petticoat.

The skirt spread sideways, the front and back hanging almost straight down from the waist. At first the widest part of the skirt was at the bottom, but it gradually came upward until the fullness was on either hip. It was distended sideways by means of whalebone or rods of osier. Hence the word pannier, the French word for basket, which the underlying structure of the skirt resembled.

Fashionable panniers changed from the early dome-shape to a bell-shape, before flattening at front and back. These flattened panniers created difficulties for women when faced with doorways and confined spaces. The large panniers gave way to pairs of smaller side panniers which were sometimes made of metal frames and made manoeuvring easier as the wearer could lift each side up, enabling to pass through a narrow space without walking sideways.

The neckline was decollete. either square or V-shaped, and soft white kerchiefs or scarves were worn. They were plain or had frilled edges. Sleeves were short to the elbow with flared hanging cuff, and fine lace frills showing below. Pockets were hung from the waist underneath the dress, the dress having small slit pockets at the side. Gowns were made of silk, brocaded silk tissue, or sometimes satin. Fans were popular until the end of the eighteenth century.