Flemish part 2
Okay, so I'm embroiled in research (in my copious spare time). Drea has done a lot of work on the time/style, and is a respected authority on the subject. I have to, very respectfully, disagree on some of her conclusion though. To sum up, she believes that the working woman's clothing would consist of a kirtle (lace up the back), an overgown (lace up front), partlet(s), and round cap.
Now I'm not saying she hasn't, but I have done farmwork and servants work in garb. I've popped out of bed at 6am to feed/dress the baby, tend to the animals, and start the days housework. I figured I had to, it's part of my research. (pictures to follow!) And there is no earthly way that I'd have the energy to do that after spending 10 minutes getting into both a back laced dress and a front laced dress. Sorry, just doesn't make sense to me. I'm of the opinion that the simpler answer is probably the right one. And in every one of the pictures and references that she's using, I see a front laced dress over a smock, with extra petticoats below. It's simple, fast to get into, easier to clean, and fabric-wise, makes sense. She also belives that boned stays would be worn, giving "a flat front, stiff bodice". I don't see that in every picture, I see a relatively soft and natural shape. As I've proven with my partlet, it can act as some boob support, and the curving shape of a drape-pattern open fronted bodice also gives support. These are women who would need to whip out a boob for the baby in between stirring the pot on the fire and chasing their brother out of the pantry. No time for finding privacy to undress yourself entirely!
Baby just woke up....more later!
Now I'm not saying she hasn't, but I have done farmwork and servants work in garb. I've popped out of bed at 6am to feed/dress the baby, tend to the animals, and start the days housework. I figured I had to, it's part of my research. (pictures to follow!) And there is no earthly way that I'd have the energy to do that after spending 10 minutes getting into both a back laced dress and a front laced dress. Sorry, just doesn't make sense to me. I'm of the opinion that the simpler answer is probably the right one. And in every one of the pictures and references that she's using, I see a front laced dress over a smock, with extra petticoats below. It's simple, fast to get into, easier to clean, and fabric-wise, makes sense. She also belives that boned stays would be worn, giving "a flat front, stiff bodice". I don't see that in every picture, I see a relatively soft and natural shape. As I've proven with my partlet, it can act as some boob support, and the curving shape of a drape-pattern open fronted bodice also gives support. These are women who would need to whip out a boob for the baby in between stirring the pot on the fire and chasing their brother out of the pantry. No time for finding privacy to undress yourself entirely!
Baby just woke up....more later!