Are These Victorian Sweatpants? | Comfy Historical Fashion

The Victorians of course didn't have sweatpants, but could this historical fashion garment be the closest equivalent?
This is one of my all-time favourite garments, and for historical clothing, they're also fairly easy to sew and beginner-friendly.
The example I made in this #shorts is all completely handsewn, created with a Scottish wool tartan and lined with linen. I could live in this thing forever, it's so comfortable.
Sewing supplies, camera gear, and fashion books I use:
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[@VBirchwood]

Have I convinced you yet to make "Victorian sweatpants" aka the wrapper? 🥰 If you have the means to support my art further, please consider joining my Patreon: www.patreon.com/vbirchwood

[@madeleinedarnoco5190]

Absolutely! Will be on my list to make, probably approaching winter time.

[@VBirchwood]

Great idea! 😊

[@alaskacosplay]

Yes. I have a cute cotton spandex fabric with sleepy time clouds on it and Ive wanted to make it into a wrapper but I might save that for another dress and make one in royal blue velvet and long white fur around the sleeve cuffs and collar.

[@lucyloopy]

Yes, where did you get the pattern?

[@VBirchwood]

@@lucyloopy it’s Laughing Moon 118 😊

[@watsonmelon6575]

This looks so comfortable and I can't wait to make one for myself at some point!

[@VBirchwood]

You will love it!!

[@91AJay]

These are a whole vibe! Bring them back 🤣

[@WhitneyDahlin]

@@VBirchwood can we get a link to the how to video? I can't find your video on sewing the wrapper!

[@VBirchwood]

@@WhitneyDahlin I haven’t released my construction process as I didn’t film the making of this one 😊 due to the demand and interest here though I’m planning to make another one as I’m working on a series of wrappers at the moment, to show my construction process. But it won’t be out for another month or two as I have other content scheduled and I sew everything without a machine so it takes a lot of time haha

[@MsBELLE7]

@@VBirchwood that 1855 one is fantastic looking! Wish I could find a pattern for it

[@korkinalina]

It also goes with any body type

[@VBirchwood]

That too!!

[@tanie3543]

Not really? I mean, not to say any body type shouldn't wear it! As someone with big boobs and big waist, this is just gonna make me look like one big ball lol I don't think there's any shape that goes with every body type, you need to complement the different shapes of the body too.. Unless you just wanna wear whatever the hell you want to and have fun, then yes, it does go.

[@healinggrounds19]

@@tanie3543 Right? Not flattering on my body at all.

[@kelsyebillman8694]

@@tanie3543 I mean hey if you have a belt you might achieve the Victorian silhouette no petticoat or cage required

[@isabellenicaud3725]

Yes !!!

[@cronchybo]

it's nice to see more historical casual wear! I feel like most fashion history content focuses on more fancy clothes

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you!! I totally agree. It’s really important to show more of the everyday garments, and expand outside of British fashion too. I’m working on researching Tatar historical fashion at the moment as that’s a massive part of my heritage, and it’s been tough to find resources but I think it’ll be super rewarding in the end because it’ll make even more people aware of what it’s like, and will also bring light to another ethnic minority ❤️

[@jupita551]

Can we bring these back? And make it socially acceptable to wear them in public too? They seem like blankets, but wearable and honestly pretty cute!

[@VBirchwood]

They’re definitely super wearable! I say though even if not socially acceptable, people should wear them anyways if they want to. But I’m biased as I wear historical fashion daily, so what’s societally acceptable has sort of gone out the window in my mind 😂

[@cardemis7637]

Can we bring this back? I would love to lounge in one of these.

[@VBirchwood]

So comfy looking right?! 🥰

[@MysticMorigan1998]

Do it! Your home, your rules!

[@rs4286]

I wear something similar when I leave the house it's called an abaya. They come in all sorts of designs and fabrics too.

[@TuberoseKisser]

I mean... it's easily made

[@andromedaspark2241]

You could even modernize it. It's such a basic idea, you could easily make one that's fairly timeless. A little tweak to the shoulders and sleeves, maybe the neckline, and it'd look totally "modern"

[@galacticbutterfly5590]

I need this in my life!! its like an everyday acceptable robe that won't make you look lazy or stuck in chill mode ....unlike traditional house n bath robes

[@VBirchwood]

Yes exactly! A totally casual formal robe that society won’t judge and will probably pay compliments on lol

[@amb600cd0]

i love being in chill mode. nothing beats walking a mile down to the liquor store across town in my pink slippers and red smoking jacket. pipe in hand (filled with what? ill let you decide)

[@MzClementine]

Reminds me of my grandmother and her many beautiful house coats. I actually have one of them. I love it so much. I can't wear it anymore. She is finally hit that point, a falling apart. I have her perfectly folded up, with a beautiful doll that my grandmother made. Put away in a box.

[@VBirchwood]

Awww what a beautiful connection! Thanks so much for sharing 🥰

[@lillybrooks7662]

Maybe you could have someone make a pattern from it snd sew several more for you!!! 💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼

[@adelafaith9604]

It is often possible to take a pattern from it. I made a coat for a friend when her mums one that she'd worn when pregnant with her finally became unwearable...it was a fun project but did require dismantling the coat..there might be tiger ways now with modern tech imagery..?

[@luellapenvennen6623]

So beautiful! I had no idea the shape was created by a belt, I thought they were actually fitted to the body/restrictive. Awesome!!

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks! To be fair, even the more fitted styles of the time aren’t too restrictive! I wear historical fashion daily, and a lot of mid-Victorian especially, and the tightness of the sleeves and bodices is actually done specifically so that it’s easier to move around and lift your arms. The higher up into the armpit an armscye is, the more range of movement you get. Seems counterintuitive but it works!

[@morganfreeman6957]

Dude. I want one. I’m a stay at home, homeschool mom of 3, and this honestly looks sooo comfortable.

[@VBirchwood]

They’re honestly so comfy!

[@MiljaHahto]

Way more stylish than sweatpants, too!

[@rosaliac.386]

I LOVE THIS, I was wondering if there was a dress equivalent to sweat pants and this fits the bill perfectly! Will definitely be trying this one day, even if I don't make it myself

[@VBirchwood]

You’ll love this garment honestly! It’s so comfy to wear and can be adapted into so many different versions too.

[@ffyrestarr]

Well you can quite literally get very long sweatshirts which go to your ankles. So precisely the dress version of sweat pants. Then wear with or without a belt. You can also get very long hoodies. 😉 Not as elegant as the Victorian wrapper though!

[@idhika5689]

Would love to see you make more informative videos on Victorian daily life fashion absolutely enjoyed it, subscribed too 🥰

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks so much for the sub! I’ll definitely be posting more about daily life 😊

[@zvezdoblyat]

That 1860-65 one is an absolute must! It looks so feminine wow 🤩

[@VBirchwood]

Such a gorgeous dress, right!?

[@RachelDeRosier010894]

This is what Cinderella should be wearing as an everyday outfit in the castle rather than her rags.

[@VBirchwood]

Actually a very good point! Would have been way more fitting haha. Especially a mid-Victorian Cinderella.

[@carolinemaluca]

The more I see it the more I convince myself that I need one! 😍

[@VBirchwood]

You should definitely make one!! 🥰

[@5DNRG]

Yes! I have a tropical version a bit more modern....muumuu.

[@idhika5689]

Would love it if you d make a mid Victorian period style wrapper. It looks much more flashy and elegant ❤️❤️ although loved this one too seems so comfortable to be in

[@VBirchwood]

This is an 1860s period wrapper :) Most of them weren't as ornate as museum examples!

[@As_RaNdoM]

it looks so gorgeous 😍😍 if you sell it to muslim females,it might become hit! Because we love wearing fully covered clothes 🌷🥰

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you! I can definitely see how these would be super popular amongst Muslims and any modest dress wearers 🥰 I just sew clothes for myself personally though and don’t sew for others, as I don’t use a sewing machine so the labour that goes into every one of my garments is so much 😅

[@nexway9173]

Soooooo.... Victorian Snuggie w/ belt

[@MsFeline81]

I also love that even the historical ones have pockets!

[@AbbyTaz]

I’d totally wear this now! My fashion sense is more modest, and of course breathable and loose 😊 would love to buy a modern version since I can’t sew 🫠

[@tishie42]

I would love a quilted wrapper..

[@VBirchwood]

Oooo a quilted wrapper would be so cosy!

[@P0nyl0ve]

I absolutely love this type of dress! I've been wanting to make one for a while now, but haven't found the right fabric yet

[@VBirchwood]

It’s such a gorgeous style! What type of fabric did you have in mind?

[@P0nyl0ve]

@@VBirchwood I want a cotton because I want it as a summer dress but my local fabric store mostly has cotton knits and I refuse to sew with that;)

[@gigglesmurf2004]

@@P0nyl0ve try a quilting store. Also when I was in college the only option in that rural area was Walmart. For basics it wasn’t terrible. And on budget for that time.

[@gigglesmurf2004]

I’ve recently been to the thrift store and looked in the linens section for fabric. Tablecloths can be great and inexpensive for the amount of fabric you’re getting and can be really good quality. I also found a curtain to remake into a skirt and each one was only a few dollars.

[@5DNRG]

This would need to be made of gauze in the tropics!

[@VBirchwood]

Or just linen!

[@gracewatson6927]

I want one of those! Feminine and comfortable 😌 ✨️ 👌

[@hrefna1606]

Yes! I have some beautiful French General quilting cotton that is crying out to be made into a wrapper. I've an idea featuring contrast bands and a train...

[@VBirchwood]

Ooooo that’ll be gorgeous!

[@polkadot8788]

I've got mine on my to do list. Ordered the fabric just got to wait for it to arrive. Will you be showing the construction process for this as well?

[@VBirchwood]

That’s so awesome! I won’t be showing the construction process for this one, but I’m thinking about making a video on the construction process of another one I’m making. I’m currently making a bunch of wrappers for my workwear wardrobe to have for various seasons.

[@polkadot8788]

@@VBirchwood I'd definitely be interested in seeing a future video on another wrapper.

[@VBirchwood]

That’s great to know thanks! It seems there’s quite a bit of interest so I’ll definitely put one together 😊

[@lorettascott5477]

@@VBirchwood um where do you work? I feel a glitch in the matrix

[@VBirchwood]

@@lorettascott5477 Ironically, in tech haha (remotely though)

[@AngelaSmith_1970]

They look cozy and comfy to me 🤗🥰

[@ASMR-XI-ZUI]

Elegant, comfortable n 4 all. Perfect. Let's all do a sewing challenge n make this popular again.

[@tiearakennemore]

I loved the addition of cat hair!! My absolute favorite part of the dress. Lol I too accessorize with pieces of pet fur from time to time. 🤣😂

[@VBirchwood]

Hahahaha thank you! It’s from my puppy actually (I’m slightly allergic to cats so I can’t live with them long term sadly 🥲)

[@moonrox4481]

I wish these types of things were still part of daily life, how cute and comfy!

[@VBirchwood]

They’re so comfortable! 😊

[@brookeashton6169]

I feel like this is the grandparent of my maxi dresses 😂😍

[@VBirchwood]

Yep!! 😂

[@jessicabey275]

I would make a few for each season

[@VBirchwood]

This is _exactly_ what I'm doing right now 😂

[@jessicabey275]

@@VBirchwood 😄

[@umopepisdn.]

This is really cool but I'd be really interested to see a video like this made by someone in the future discussing leggings or something "they were comfortable, versatile, and they were worn by all classes, these are a pair of reproduction leggings I handmade myself"

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you! I'm sure someone out there has done ultra-custom made, high-quality, at-home sewn leggings 😊

[@umopepisdn.]

@@VBirchwood oh I'm sure, but I guess I'm trying to look at it from the perspective of a victorian watching this, or as close as my modern mind can get. I likely won't live to see the clothes I wear be considered historical garments but that would be so cool in my mind idk why Haha.

[@VBirchwood]

@@umopepisdn. Hahaha I totally agree, it would be fascinating to see how future generations react.

[@jesussaves6625]

I love this style! I'm not quite skilled enough to make this yet, but it is something I really want to do.

[@rebeccachambers4701]

ITS THE ORGINAL SNUGGIE!!!

[@caspenbee]

The white laces and orange quilted bits on the one wrapper could totally be seen on designer athleisure today!

[@leahwhittaker8137]

Bring these back ! 💗

[@raraavis7782]

The term 'wrapper' makes me think of giftwrapping. Or sweets. I like it 🙂 Probably takes a heckton of fabric though, doesn't it? The main reason, I don't dabble in historical sewing (although I enjoy watching others do it), is lack of storage space and the price of appropriate fabric.

[@VBirchwood]

Hahaha yes! It’s a great connection with the name 😊 This one, with a completely cartridge pleated back, took about 6 metres of fabric, but you could probably get away with 4 metres if you did a pleated back or just not cartridge pleats. I think part of why they were made historically by working class people is because the fabric requirement was a bit less than perhaps another popular style of gown at the time, especially during the mid-Victorian period

[@hanahijab7940]

I wish i could sew that cloth..♥️soooo pretty

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you! 😊

[@Bercuda]

It's so cute!!! This us why I love the victorian Era! 😆🥰🥺

[@DrinkYourNailPolish]

I love the idea that one can juat toas something in and it looks like you made an effort. I do this with maxu dresses. When I have n I udea what to wear I toss in a maxi dress and I'm good to go. In the winter I do a shorter dress with leggings and uggs and it's so adorable. If I toss on an apron ovwr it I feel like the mom from sailor moon lol

[@VBirchwood]

Hahahaha I love that about the sailor moon feeling 😂

[@rachelplummer4579]

Lovely! Wonder if this would be a good thing to make for my summer trek, out of light cotton. Would you have any recommendations for fabric for a 4-day hiking trip in Southern California summer heat? It’s pioneer style clothing, and I want to make clothes that are versatile, comfortable, and historically fashionable.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you! I would definitely recommend a wrapper for that purpose! I’d suggest one layer of linen (unlined linen) and then just flat fell the seams or some similar finish 😊 I’m making a similar wrapper for myself right now out of linen

[@rachelplummer4579]

@@VBirchwood alrighty thanks!

[@BelanceM]

Omg love! I would want this TODAYYYY

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@daniellethomas447]

I wear my dressing gown all day every day

[@thatguy3903]

That looks comfy as fuck I want one

[@meredithmason1121]

Anyone know where I can find a pattern? I’d love to make one!

[@VBirchwood]

I used Laughing Moon no. 118 😊

[@lilithhecataniangoddessesm187]

This is one of the positive things I loved about the Victorian times is that everyone’s well-dress regardless where they’re at. I really appreciate it in a deeper level. It’s amazing how we can apply it in our modern days, without having to deal with the garbages there was at the time.

[@beadmore]

I think it is wonderful because you don't have to worry about a corset or girdle. Yeah!!!

[@courtneywitherspoon8584]

I love a housecoat!

[@VBirchwood]

Such a versatile garment!

[@angelic_boy]

Victorian fashion is so beautiful

[@sarasorensen2650]

That tartan. That's my tartan!

[@VBirchwood]

Ooooo amazing!!

[@martijn3015]

I just can't get over the fact how beautiful you look in those clothes

[@gildahendricks4398]

Ms. V, listen, EVERYTHING you make is absolutely STUNNING!!! Don't ever ask me which one is the best! I would not be able to answer that mind- boggling question!!! I would take all of them!!! Just beautiful!!!

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks so much 😊

[@samsmom1491]

The Victorian version of the mumu or house dress. Exquisitely sewn. Kudos!

[@KellyS_77]

These need to make a comeback in a big way!

[@Iamrightandyouarewrong51]

You sewed it beautifully! 😍😍😍👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😊😊😊

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you! 🥰🥰🥰

[@thegrumpyhorticulturist]

I am going to make a house coat with some gorgeous jacquard fabric curtains I picked up at the thrift store.

[@Karina-tw6ly]

This fashion should come back

[@joannakuyt1512]

My grandmother's great Aunt was wearing her wrap when I met her for the first and last time. At the time she was in her late 80's or early 90's and very frail and the wrap was obviously hanging on her but she had it cinched in and she was in her wheelchair. You could tell that she was very stylish and a true lady. She graduated from the University of Chicago in 1913 with a degree in Chemistry. A huge accomplishment for a lady of her generation.

[@beth1121]

This is so perfect for those who practice modest dress. I can imagine this in all my favourite fabrics now 🤩

[@estherhastime777]

It's an old fashioned moo moo. Cute!

[@raggedyhaggity250]

and very modest wear too😍 we love to see it

[@RychaardRyder]

yay a historical project with no darts!!!

[@roderickfernandez5382]

You made it all by hand that is amazing it's beautiful and the fabric is lovely to I worked in the theater so I know costumes but they answered beautiful

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you very much!

[@MordredAngstrom]

I never liked wearing dresses but I actually wanna wear this. It looks so comfy!

[@wg8517]

So basic and practical but could be dressy or plain depending on the need or use.

[@emilinebelle7811]

Love all the cat/dog hair because honestly same!

[@rubyhoward2085]

I love thrm, they're gorgeous and looks so comfortable.

[@marilynwaaldijk_howell1320]

YES, I KNOW ,...I LOVE THEM MYSELF..SO MUCH.!!!!! 🤗👍👐💯💝🎀😇.

[@jewisley]

I just love this style, too. So versatile.

[@waterlilydreams8046]

this looks so comfortable. i would wear them all the time

[@birdie_blues.studios4852]

HOW ARE YOU SPINNING LIKE THAT IN THE BEGINNING?? IM FLABBERGASTED RN

[@martingrant1960]

cozy warm 4 winter!🤷‍♀️

[@Evilmindy12]

The dress you made looks so freaking comfy

[@lindamyers4980]

Wow. One size fits all. I like it.

[@denisebarker9288]

Thank you. I love the history that goes along with it.

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks for watching!

[@shawnycoffman]

I've been sick for a long time. And I spend a lot of time in a housecoat or lounger or even a patio dress if I'm talking to a neighbor because I don't hardly go out anymore. These look amazing. I vote to bring them back!

[@AmyinOregon]

I love to sew but I don't know anything really about it and I'm certainly not good at it. I would LOVE to learn to sew this. They are all so beautiful!

[@VBirchwood]

You should totally give it a go! I actually only recently started sewing myself (August 2020) and I remember feeling so scared to get started but finally took the plunge. It was really challenging for about the first 9 months or so and then it got significantly easier. If it’s your passion and interest you should absolutely go for it 🥰

[@AmyinOregon]

Wow, you are amazing! You're already sewing and fixing those gorgeous garments to fit you! I'm in awe, I bow to thee madame!! Thank you for the encouragement Miss V. I appreciate you writing me back to encourage me to stop being scared and just try. We've all got seam rippers and sheets right?? lol Maybe someday we can all follow along in a tutorial together? That would be so helpful.

[@VBirchwood]

Aww thank you very much! I have a couple of tutorials on my channel now actually! A Victorian apron and an 18th century under petticoat 😊🥰

[@adjjal]

I would LOVE for you to do a handsew tutorial on this or something else beginer friendly ❤

[@VBirchwood]

I have a couple tutorials on my channel at the moment for some beginner-friendly hand sewing projects 😊 Because I don't own this pattern, I don't feel it'd be ethical to do a whole tutorial for this wrapper, as then I'd have to show the pattern sizes etc. and it isn't my property, but I am planning to film the construction process/making of another one of these wrappers. I'm currently working on a series of them at the moment.

[@adjjal]

@@VBirchwood oh wow thanks that sounds awesome I'll go take a look at them! And I completely understand, thank u for explaining too. 💕

[@OsloTime]

Oh my goodness! I didn't know these had a name but now after watching this, I have to agree with you! I'd love to learn how to sow one day and then I'll make myself a few dozen wrappers of all assortments haha. 🤗 Life is like a closet of wrappers, you never know what you're gonna get! 🤭

[@Kimberley42]

So this is where the word 'dressing gown' comes from. So cool.

[@sweetpie7919]

Oh wow that looks so comfy and beautiful as well.

[@RedEbSeb13]

Bring it back bring it back BRING IT BAAACK!

[@leoscheibelhut940]

I'm super impressed with your spin, you look like a music box ballerina.

[@alannasarafat9938]

A great cloth to wear in the snowy winter

[@jamiedelgado1484]

I love this. I wonder if we just start wearing them, we could bring them back. 😁

[@VBirchwood]

Victorian wrapper summer! 😅🥰

[@gr33ngirlsea]

Ooh, this is very good to know for theatrical costuming purposes!

[@sheryldeblinger1863]

Do you notice that the more stylishly modest the womens attire is, the classier she looks!

[@aidenflame1576]

OHHHH this is goin in the pile of patterns i wantttttt Especially the yellow one with the orange quilty looking pattern!

[@marystrope1345]

Some of the examples are beautiful.

[@RiverSprite30]

Your sewing is amazing. My grandmother was a seamstress, and I can tell your work is absolutely incredible.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@vincenttavani6380]

Standing on the roomba was a great idea

[@VBirchwood]

I don’t own a Roomba, it’s just me turning in slow motion (120 frames per second)

[@Delicate_Disaster]

THAT SPIN WAS SO SMOOTH

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you!! Yay for slow motion (120 frames per second) 😊

[@MossyMozart]

I love the colors in that fabric, sort of "night watch" like, I think it's called. Lovely. (I will have to re-watch your "500 Years of Scottish Fashion" video.)

[@GraceLJW]

The basic form of it reminds me so much of an abaya! So versatile and having a big air pocket under it means your temperature regulation is much better

[@daisykid3]

It looks really comfortable too! If I could sew I would love to make one for myself.

[@emilysnyder4857]

I would wear this around the house. It looks cozy.

[@pinchebruha405]

Love it House coats were so varied we’ve been stuck in the plain ol man robe to long 😂

[@Marie45610]

That looks super comfy.

[@Isabella66Gracen]

It's really quite lovely for something so casual.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you!