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Materials used… All items are Designed & Constructed in the USA by April C. Thomas, Proprietress. No other seamstresses are employed. We use the most authentic fabrics and trimmings that we can find in this modern day & age. If something that was used in the 18th century is unavailable, we will find the closest thing to it as possible. The majority of our garments are finished by hand for a more authentic appearance. For Example: We do not use zippers, elastic, or other notions that are used in making a “costume”. We can do a “Costume” if you need it, but we prefer to do it correctly! |
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Original |
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Original |
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Original |
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Our Reproduction |
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Our Reproduction |
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Our Reproduction |
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Our Reproduction |
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Our Reproduction Of A gown & Acessories From the Collection Of the Kyoto Costume Institute |
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Please see pages 50 & 51 of The Kyoto Costume Institutes Book: Fashion. A history of the 18th to the 20th century. Or visit their online Archive |
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Design Each garment we make is painstakingly researched to be as close to the original as possible. Garments from books, paintings, museums and private collections are studied in order to get the cut and design correct. Pricing Our prices reflect all the research and hard work that go into our garments. Like most things in this world, quality must be paid for. therefore if you are looking for the cheapest and quickest...look elsewhere. If you are looking for a one of a kind garment that will turn heads...you have come to the right place! Please view some of our reproductions below! |
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18th Century Bonnets were worn by all classes of women, including countless runaway servants and slaves...as listed in the Pennsylvania Gazette and other prominent papers of the day. The most common type of bonnet was Black silk, although other fabrics such as velvet and linen were also popular. Most bonnets were made with a large brim at the front, and decorated with ribbon self trimming and bows. We base the style of our 18th century bonnet on those shown in Mezzotint Satires of the time, and upon a very few extant examples left in museum collections. Soon, we will be offering new styles including a straw version circa 1770-80’s. |
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Original Quilted Jacket, Mid-Late 1700’s (LEFT) |
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Our Reproduction (RIGHT) |
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About our Reproductions... |
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April C. Thomas- Seamstress |
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Specializing in Authentic 18th Century Historic Reproduction Clothing |
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Contact Us: Studio (717) 292-1383 9am-5pm EST april@18thcenturygowns.com April C. Thomas-Seamstress PO Box 143 Wellsville, PA 17365-0143 |
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A little About clothing of the 18th century: Ladies: At the beginning of the 18th century, ladies gowns were worn over a Round style hoop called a Panier, or Contouche. Later these panniers or Hoops as they were also called, evolved into the wide shape that most are familiar with. The predominant gown style was the loose sack back garment known as the Robe a la francaise, or French gown. The English gown, Robe a la Anglaise, was a fitted back gown, sometimes also called a closed robe or round gown because of the closed nature of the gown which did not require an exposed petticoat. Women's Colonial 18th century gowns later evolved to be much more fitted to the body, such as the robe “polonaise” which had laces in the gown skirt that could be tied up to form a sort of bustle. Ladies of the 18th century would wear elaborate stays (later in history referred to as a corset) made from layers of heavy canvas, linen and sometimes silk...boned with Whalebone know as baleen. These 18th century Stays were essential to get the appropriate shape needed to wear the clothing of the time. Those who could not afford stays would buy used pairs from Pawnbrokers or make their own from inexpensive materials or often leather...these leather stays were often used in England by the field workers or wives of Journeymen or apprentices who had very little expendable income. These leather stays were often also made & given away by Charities to poor women who would otherwise be “loose” because of the lack of proper support. Stays were often back lacing, front lacing or sometimes both. Side lacing stays were made also in order to accommodate pregnancy or a rapid change in size. The basic undergarment for women was the Shift or chemise which was a long white or natural colored garment worn under the stays. This shift was adjustable at the neck & sleeves and sometimes had ruffles known as flounces or Engageantes. These were either of the same fabric, or expensive lace from Belgium or England. Ladies of the 18th century almost never went without their head covered, day caps and evening caps were made from fine linen or cotton lawn, trimmed in lace and ribbons. Work caps were made from linen and fustian for durability. The flat straw hat was extremely popular for the 18th century...often covered in silk & ribbons to match the gown of the wearer. Also, the bonnet was popular, usually made from black silk although many other colors were also used such as blue, red and light colors like white and even Pink! |
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