Looking for a piece of 1830s fashion? There are several key elements that will help you identify authentic pieces. These elements include Styles, Details, Patterns, and Prices. Keep reading to learn about the various elements of 1830s fashion. After you’ve studied this information, you can go out and start shopping for period-appropriate pieces.
Styles:
The styles of the 1830s were characterized by a combination of boldness and sentimentality. Early in the decade, dresses were short and had dropped shoulders. Later, the silhouette of women’s clothing shifted toward modesty. In the late 1830s, Queen Victoria epitomized this era. Queen Victoria favored simplicity and modesty, and she resisted new trends. Her character was reminiscent of the ideal Romantic woman.
The 1830s brought a change from the flowing Classical style. The widening of the shoulders and hips emphasized the width of the body, in contrast to the narrow silhouettes of the 1820s and 1800s. The widening of women’s clothing in the 1830s also changed the shape of the waist.
Bodices were a key part of the 1830s’ fashion. The sleeve supports were tied to the upper arm and supported the torso. The sleeve supports were typically filled with soft feathers, but they were also reinforced with buckram. The ever-widening skirt required ever-larger petticoats. The bustle, meanwhile, held out the skirt at the back, but early bustles were simple, down-filled pads.
The waistcoat was another important piece of clothing in the 1830s. The waistcoat was a very important part of a man’s wardrobe. During the era, waistcoats came in single or double-breasted styles and featured a wide cravat. Many men wore multiple waistcoats and layered them to cover up their chests.
Women’s hats and bonnets in the 1830s were also important accessories. The waist of the 1830s was slightly lower than it was in the 1860s, and the brims of the hats were more narrow than they are today. In addition to a wide brim, the hats also served to hide the face. Women could also use decorative combs and ribbons to accessorize their hairstyles.
Women’s fashion of the 1830s reflected the emergence of the Romantic movement. The new Romantic movement had a strong influence on women’s clothing. The era saw a number of dramatic changes in women’s clothing.
Details:
In 1830s fashion, a woman’s dress is defined by its neckline, hat, and accessories. High necklines and full length gigot sleeve are popular in daytime wear, while frills and ruffles adorn evening attire. A wide belt with a big buckle emphasizes the waistline. Jewelry was also prominent during this time, and a man’s waistcoat was often adorned with long chains around his waist, neck, and shoulders.
Bodices in 1830s fashion emphasized the triangle shape, with all points converging at the waist. This was a rejection of the Empire silhouette of ca. 1795-1825. Meanwhile, heavy stiff fabrics returned in style. Many 18th-century gowns were cut into separate pieces and re-styled.
The 1830s ushered in dramatic and extravagant clothing. The era featured oversized hats and sleeves and a distinctly romantic spirit. The era also saw the emergence of the extravagant dandies. However, after 1836, sentimentality crept in and the exuberance of the 1820s and 1830s fashion became dated.
The evening dress of 1830 was cut low off the shoulder, and the sleeves were long or short. In 1831, double bouffant sleeves were still in fashion, but the style was now known as “soufflet sleeves”. A woman wearing a puffed-sleeved 1830 evening gown is depicted in a painting by Friedrich von Amerling. Her puffed sleeves show a pointed bodice and full skirt.
Patterns:
The 1830s were marked by a widening of the waistline, and the use of long frock sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and elaborate hairstyles. Women often wore white gowns with colorful aprons, as well as long, floppy hats.
In the 1830s, men wore white shirts with a high, straight collar and decorative insets on the front. This style was typically simple but could also be more complex for evening wear. Tall hats and dark cravats were also typical of the period. The silhouette of men’s fashions was also very defined. Men wore broad shoulders and a narrow waist.
The Victorian silhouette was characterized by wide sleeves and a nipped waist above the natural waistline. The wide width of Victorian clothing was emphasized with the use of multiple undergarments. The sleeve was perhaps the most important element, reaching its apex between 1830 and 1833. In addition, leg-o-mutton sleeves were widespread, appearing in various forms.
The 1840s saw women’s fashions change slightly. Women’s dresses had high, sloping necklines, and cuffs made from white lace. Skirts remained full until the mid-1860s, but the emphasis was shifted toward the back and the front. Women also wore shawls and hats. Decorative combs, flowers, and ostrich feathers were popular.
Prices:
The clothing of the 1830s had many variations. Most of the clothing was made of wool, linen, or cotton. There were many different weaves and patterns of these materials. Unlike today, there were no zippers or belt loops on trousers. Moreover, the trousers of the 1830s were often close-fitting and had a baggier seat. One of the most elaborate and colorful elements of a man’s wardrobe was his waistcoat. These garments were made from rich fabrics and came in a variety of colors and shapes. Some waistcoats even featured rolled or padded collars. Some men wore more than one waistcoat at the same time.
The 1830s era featured a variety of undergarments that contributed to the feminine silhouette. The massive leg-of-mutton sleeves required support, so sleeve supports were worn underneath. The sleeve supports were tied to the upper arm and sometimes reinforced with buckram to add strength to the sleeves. A growing number of petticoats were also necessary to hold the skirt in place. At the back, a bustle held out the skirt, although the early bustles were little more than a simple down-filled pad.
The 1830s were a time of great interest in fashion, with periodicals and sketches detailing the latest styles and designs. While a few ladies of means followed the latest trends, most women simply tried to stay current. Some women even remade older garments to reflect current trends. Others replaced pleats with gathers, while some tried out new collars and pelerines.
Infant garments of the 1830s included long white gowns. These garments were usually worn with a cap. Many mothers chose boyish tunics for their infants, and these were also available in many colors and fabrics. The tunics were sometimes back buttoned or had side buttoning.
Prices of 1830s fashion were affordable, and some garments were made of silk. For example, the dress worn by Mrs. Samuel Hermann dated to the 1830s. It has a wide brim, but this isn’t as common today.
