Logistically, women at least needed some kind of underpants type business to deal with their menses (and, for that matter, excess milk produced while nursing their children.) Otherwise the past would have been, well, really bloody (and milky). This is probably not something historical commentators (mostly men,) were eager to discuss.
She does mention that something would have been worn during that time of the month. But otherwise, generally not.
"Imagine that you are wearing a late Elizabethan court gown with a farthingale the size of a cart wheel, or a 1770s ball gown with five-foot-wide panniers, and that you need to relieve yourself. Do you really want to squat over a chamber pot while wearing that gown, and then try to reach underneath yards of fabric and the elaborate wicker or whalebone or metal framework of your hoops or panniers, plus some petticoats, plus your shift, in order to untie and pull down your bloomers or panties?"
I've worn a variety of period clothing from the 1700 and 1800s, including petticoats and corsets, and never found them an impediment to undergarments. (Given that pockets at the time consisted of a slit in the outer garment and a pouch tied on beneath, it wouldn't have been necessary to lift the skirts to undo the undergarments.) Perhaps among the royalty we could find a garment so elaborate that underwear would be a burden, but the vast majority of women never wore such fancy things. For a woman with only one or two dresses, I imagine that keeping them clean would be important (a concern at all times of the month.) But this might require nothing more than a sort of loincloth that no one might have found worth commenting on
( ... )
You sold me me on ited_rexJune 30 2014, 05:08:11 UTC
I didn't think you did indie writers, but I'm glad you break your own rule from time to time. This sounds both fascinating and like a hoot. I was all set to search for a torrent but lo! and behold the author let me buy quick and easy and DRM-free. US $4.99 and about one minute later, it's on my computer and ready to upload to my e-reader.
Writers reading this take note: make it easy to buy your book and readings just might buy it!
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"Imagine that you are wearing a late Elizabethan court gown with a farthingale the size of a cart wheel, or a 1770s ball gown with five-foot-wide panniers, and that you need to relieve yourself. Do you really want to squat over a chamber pot while wearing that gown, and then try to reach underneath yards of fabric and the elaborate wicker or whalebone or metal framework of your hoops or panniers, plus some petticoats, plus your shift, in order to untie and pull down your bloomers or panties?"
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Writers reading this take note: make it easy to buy your book and readings just might buy it!
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