Sarah's Housemaid Attire (1795-1810)

Live out your Jane Austen dreams in a perfectly tailored, high-quality, historically accurate Regency era working class attire. Whether you are an attendee at an event, a historical reenactor, an actress in theatre, or an avid admirer of Jane Austen's works, this ensemble will make you feel like your favorite Austen heroine.

While we most commonly see long, one-piece dresses in Regency era period dramas, the short gown and colorful petticoat ensembles are seen in many fashion plates and artist depictions of the era.  This design was especially useful for the working class, as it allowed more economy in fabric and an ability to mix and match pieces.

When you purchase a made-to-order item, you get the dress of your dreams by choosing the fabric from the drop-down options, providing measurements for a custom fit, and even purchasing extra available add-ons! (Search the website for “add-ons” to see what’s available.)  Contact us through the “Custom Orders” page if you would like to discuss additional fabric and customization options that are not available on this listing.

As a custom piece, this item is professionally handmade at my Texas (USA) studio and order fulfillment takes 12-14 weeks. Please see the website header for a current estimate on the month your order will be shipped to you. Shipping within the U.S. is FREE for all orders over $50.

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ALL THE DETAILS

This ensemble is made-to-order: choose the size that you currently wear in contemporary sizing. Within 3-5 business days of receiving your order, I will send you a measurement worksheet listing the measurements required for a perfect fit. 

The colorful petticoat features:

• a 100% cotton fabric
  
• two cotton twill tape drawstrings - one in top front bodice and one in the underbust band
• a back closure of buttons and the underbust drawstring
• a fitted front skirt
• a back skirt with five pleats on each side
• a bottom skirt width of 75-90"

The short gown features:

• a fully lined bodice (lined with 100% cotton lawn)
• a cotton twill drawstring at the underbust and front neckline, to allow for adjustability
• front closure with two ties (which hide in the full gathers)
• long sleeves
• adjustable cuffs with buttons at the wrists

Current fabric choices are shown with inspiration photos to help you visualize the ensemble in that fabric.  These inspiration photos are either photos of extant dresses or period fashion plates.  They serve ONLY as inspiration and do NOT depict exactly how your ensemble will be made. Once you order, I will contact you to discuss measurements and confirm exact details.

Feel free to contact us through the "Custom Orders" page if you wish to provide your own fabric or you have a different color in mind than the ones shown.  

To achieve the correct historical silhouette, it is pictured over a shift, stays, and petticoat, but no shift, stays, or petticoat are included with this listing. This dress is made to fit over historical undergarments, but if you would like for it to fit over modern undergarments, please message me, and I will be happy to oblige!

Measure your bust and waist to determine which size to order and choose your size based on the following sizing guidelines. For the most accurate fit, please take the measurements while wearing your stays and other undergarments (i.e. chemise, petticoat, etc). The petticoat will be hemmed to sit about 3" off the floor; this will be based on the measurements you provide in your measurement worksheet.

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HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF

Please refer to the measurement graphic in the listing and the video tutorial if you need assistance in understanding and taking your measurements. If you still have additional questions, please feel free to message me.

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CARE INSTRUCTIONS

A care card will be included with your order, but if you choose a silk or wool fabric, it will be dry clean only.  Most dresses made with cotton, linen, or polyester fabrics can be washed.

All fabrics are preshrunk, usually by prewashing.  Seller is not responsible for any allergic reactions to the detergent used in prewashing.

Items with buttons will arrive with an extra button sewn inside.