1875 Foundation Garments


Research, design, and creation of a set of 1875 foundation garments for the class “Aesthetics of Historical Dress” at Dalhousie, 2025.

The set includes a chemise, corset, bustle, and petticoat.


Chemise made from white cotton batiste with white cotton lace and mother-of-pearl buttons.


Custom-made corset made out of beige sateen coutil with white cotton sateen binding, and plastic whalebone. Busk and back lacing with metal eyelets for closure. Includes hand-sewn flossing with white cotton embroidery thread on the bones, a waist tape, and a corset hook.


Lobster tail bustle made from white cotton twill and seven steel hoops.


Petticoat made out of white plain weave cotton. Includes two tucks and two ruffles for structure, and two drawstrings, one at the waist and one below the knee, for shaping.