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
linen or
cotton were often worn with day
dresses in the mid-19th century, and could be decorated with
tucks,
embroidery (especially
whitework), or
lace.
When wide
pagoda sleeves were fashionable (
1860s), chemisettes might have matching
engageantes (false undersleeves).
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Godey's Lady's Book (links to online editions)
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1850s in fashion*
1860s in fashion*
Trim (sewing)*
Victorian fashionS.F.A. Caulfield and B.C. Saward,
The Dictionary of Needlework, 1885.
Picken, Mary Brooks:
The Fashion Dictionary, Funk and Wagnalls, 1957. (1973 edition ISBN 0308100522)
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ApparelSeach glossary of textile and apparel terms
