What's under there?

[lady M]

I'm looking to purchase a noble gown soon. My question is - What all is worn underneath it?

[Celtic_Fae]

Where are you going to purchase it? I have several available and can also recommend good seamstresses. As far as what is worn under a noble gown: stockings, chemise/smock/possibly with partlet, bloomers (your preference) corset, hoop skirt, and bumroll (if your skirt has been made to accommodate one).


So the order would go something like this:

Stockings/socks
Bloomers/underwear
Shoes (because, believe me, you won't want to bend over afterward)
Chemise/smock
Corset
Hoop skirt
Bumroll
Partlet
Underskirt
Overskirt
Bodice
Sleeves

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

It all depends on how historically accurate you want/need to be (like if you are on cast).  Personally, I don't wear a corset underneath my noble garb.  I don't like them.  That's just me.  I also don't wear a separate chemise and partlet.  I don't like bumrolls so I don't wear one.

I do wear bloomers and a hoop skirt.  My garb does have a separate bodice and 2 skirts, under and over.

KFW is right on about the shoes!  I heartily agree with her.  And if you leave out anything, don't leave out bloomers over your underwear.  They keep your thighs from chafing.

KFW's list is the complete list of what to wear, but I, and others, fudge it to our own desires. 

[Master James]

Well if you want the Historically Accurate dressing, you can look here: http://www.elizabethancostume.net/overview.html  If you are not on cast the minimum you would need would be a hoop skirt and the nobles gown.  Anything else is up to you and what you want.  If you are on cast however, check with the Costume Director for their requirements.  Hope this helps.

[sealion]

If you want to dress as a noblewoman but prefer not to wear a farthingale (hoopskirt) go Italian!

[lady M]

Where are you going to purchase it? I have several available and can also recommend good seamstresses. As far as what is worn under a noble gown: stockings, chemise/smock/possibly with partlet, bloomers (your preference) corset, hoop skirt, and bumroll (if your skirt has been made to accommodate one).


So the order would go something like this:

Stockings/socks
Bloomers/underwear
Shoes (because, believe me, you won't want to bend over afterward)
Chemise/smock
Corset
Hoop skirt
Bumroll
Partlet
Underskirt
Overskirt
Bodice
Sleeves

When I read you post I was like WHAT HELL       double time.
I've gone to several site and found the same pattern and color gowns. I don't want a cookie cutter dress. I want a seamstresses. I want to choose my colors. So any help you can give me will be appreciated.

I think I'm going to go with looking accurate on the outside.

If you want to dress as a noblewoman but prefer not to wear a farthingale (hoopskirt) go Italian!

How is Italian?

Thanks all for your help.

[lady M]

Sorry, but I have one more question. 

Without the hoopskirt. How does one go the bathroom?   

[Syrilla]

I suggest you find the thread about that.  Everything from with hoops taco's to split bloomers!  You will be rolling on the floor laughing.

Oh, and a great alternative to hoops is a corded petticoat!  I LOVE mine... until it vanished last dec... 

[Celtic_Fae]

When I read you post I was like WHAT HELL       double time.
I've gone to several site and found the same pattern and color gowns. I don't want a cookie cutter dress. I want a seamstresses. I want to choose my colors. So any help you can give me will be appreciated.

I think I'm going to go with looking accurate on the outside.

Lady Kathleen of Olmstead is doing my Elizabethan ensemble, but is a serious investment. Dragonpipe's Den does budget gowns, where the two skirts are made into one by using a fancy material for the forepart and attaching it to what would be the overskirt. DP Den is good for just beginning, while Lady Kathleen is good if you're serious about sticking with faire for a while and want a good investment.

You'll definitely either want to wear stockings or go simpler with regular socks.

Underwear and either regular shorts or bloomers are a must to prevent chafing.

I have a high-necked smock/chemise for my Elizabethan gown, which gets rid of the need for the partlet. However, you don't *need* to go with either---a low necked chemise is fine.

I use the corset underneath the bodice simply because I am a bit fluffy and like to minimize the peaks and valleys. Many bodices are only lightly boned, and are of decorative fabric which isn't made to take the strain of smoothing everything over.

The bumroll, again, is optional, for H/A silhouette. Starting out, I never wore one. I probably will still never wear one aside from wearing it with my Elizabethan gown that Lady Kathleen made, since none of my other gowns have that taken into consideration for their skirt lengths.

[sealion]

I actually find it much easier to use the port-o-privies without a farthingale. Easier to fit and easier to make sure my skirt doesn't touch the icky floor or urinal!
As for how Italian differs from Elizabethan- The main differences I see are no farthingale, skirt generally not split and nearly always sewn directly to the bodice, and less rigid corsetry. Lots of examples at http://realmofvenus.renaissanceitaly.net/yourgarb/showcase.htm

[sealion]

I think I'm going to go with looking accurate on the outside.

If looking historically accurate is your goal you should be aware that that won't happen without the correct underpinnings- corset (pair of bodies) and hoop skirt (farthingale). If you forgo them to begin with and decide the add them later your gown will fit much differently.