Thursday, November 29, 2012

The Hidden Beauty Of Civil War Gowns

By Lucile Jacobs


Civil War Gowns became popular during the mid-1800s for several reasons. One of which is the reduced waistline when wearing a whale-bone corset. It has been said that many women wore these corsets very tight, especially when attempting to highlight a thin figure. In some cases, drastically reducing waistlines.

One might question why someone would want to study specifics of clothing worn during a specific time in history. This is because different clothing worn at the time often posed different meanings or warnings. As a result, there is now an increased interest in learning more about the war, the clothing and any and all weapons used during the war.

In addition, there are a number of other dresses and artifacts which can be found at the University of Connecticut. A reality which only came about after a diplomat viewed some of the dresses on display at a local textile and costume shop. After which, school officials were solicited to obtain some of the gowns and other objects for a public collection.

Some of the dresses ended up on exhibit at the Capitol for quite some time. The setting, next to the flags. In addition, a statue of the governor during the Civil War took center stage above the garments. Once the exhibit closed, the gowns were safely returned to the research and storage facility.

Also, while there have been many replicas and period pieces redesigned over the years, it is often rare to locate a real Civil War gown outside a museum collection. If so, then it is often advised that the individual contact a representative from a museum dealing in Civil War relics. Now, whether or not the individual chooses to do so is something which one must decide for oneself.

For example, these flowing skirts with spring-steel hoops and petticoats were often different colors and designs based on use. One of the reasons the University is excited about the exhibit is because it began an agricultural college during the period which featured home economics. So, it is quite fitting that the dresses and gowns have ended up back at the same location where the journey began. It is also important that proper care is taken to preserve this clothing and artifacts in the future.

All in all, there have been thirty-five hundred plus garments available for study in a crowded facility. When university staff were asked who researched the dresses, the reply seemed to indicate that individuals studying the period and those from the Northeast were the ones most interested. Still, it is expected that these important artifacts will remain available for all those who wish to do so in the future.

Last but not least, renting Civil War Gowns often offers more options when it comes to wearing different clothing to various events. Whereas, as these garments are often quite expensive, those whom own one often wear the same gown to different events. So, some individuals prefer renting rather than buying as it allows for more diversity when it comes to the different types of period clothing.




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