Dressing up a 1740s lady

[@amandapage5677]

Recreations of women's fashion like this really brings to life what it was actually like and not what's been fed to us. A lot of movies and media tend to tells us that fashion like this and even before and after this; were stiff, tight, heavy, and cumbersome. I will admit it does look somewhat cumbersome for some fashions, but a lot of these videos really dispel a lot of the misunderstandings with it all. Videos like this are a treasure to have, so thank you for making them!

[@oliviaann9946]

Why do so many comments here put down modern fashions? You don't have to put down one era of clothing to celebrate another. The problem with fashion "these days" isn't that women show more skin. The problem is that it's cheap, disposable, and sewn by impoverished women and children.

[@LaDivinaLover]

👏🏻PREACH👏🏻

[@e.s.r5809]

If I could upvote this into the thousands all by myself I would.

[@EllyFLuft]

Freaking thank you!

[@cactusc9519]

+ 1 wish it could be + more

[@Bawetta]

It's designed by accountants...

[@Twinzma]

So educational every time these come out. You. Are. Adorable. I tend to forget that you're not in those eras because you look like you belong there! Thank you for these videos and your sense of humor 👍

[@frizbeee]

Always amazed,this lady is an artiste at her craft. always fascinating and beautifully done. One of my favorite channels.

[@Lady_dromeda]

I think we should bring back the big panniers for 2020, it would help with social distancing

[@abigaila7851]

Great idea

[@alisonrichardson4503]

Hmmm, I'm thinking "farthingale"..

[@elirchi9214]

Nah, cage crinolines for sure.

[@justka4444]

Ktoś ci spral mózg.

[@tammyt3434]

I'm seriously starting to consider the advantage of giving up on bras in favor of stays and shifts.

[@OddlyElly]

Me too. I just ordered both underpining patterns from American Duchess so I can make a pair. I find late 19th century corsets too restrictive and tight but I have worn precursors to stays and been very comfortable so it's worth a shot.

[@brooke_reiverrose2949]

Same!

[@Tiger89Lilly]

Same. I'm not sure how flexible they'll be running after a toddler but they look so much more comfortable and prettier than a bra

[@christineleblanc9281]

the embroidery on the Stomacher is just Amazing!!!

[@donsarde]

The most elegant era of costume in the history of fashion. Love the 18th century and it's opulence in style, textiles, cloth.

[@aubreydoris1258]

I love that you included makeup in this one!!

[@msnaturalfibers3058]

Absolutely gorgeous! I love how harmonious the colors are on this one.

[@AssassinofHighgarden]

These are so much fun to watch! I've always had an odd fascination with historical fashion and I'm in love. Thank you so much for making these videos!

[@juliekruger7513]

I read once that french doors were made for this fashion - not sure if it's true but I like the idea

[@mcrosemasters3060]

Sadly that is not why French doors were invented , or at least that was what Google told me lol. They were invented for letting in more light. It caused a nice effect and they spread. It should also be noted that they are based off an Italian Renaissance design. The French and Italian were ar war and the French brought back ideas based on their design. In the 17th century.

[@thatgrumpychick4928]

This makes more sense than anything I've read on months

[@inkadinkadoodle]

the garments are lovely, and you are lovely, and this is such a wonderful glimpse into past fashions! it's so fascinating to see how a lady REALLY dressed...as opposed to all-assembled costumes. even good theatrical costumes lack a great deal of authenticity -- and therein lies the importance of your videos. you show us how it's really done!

[@MizzKittyBichon]

OOOOOO so much lace and frills! So many ribbons and bows! My heart is bursting with all of this elegance! I really wish caps would come back in fashion. They would be perfect for bad hair days, sleeping, hard labor, cooking, or just something to match with a fancy dress.

[@nancyvolker3342]

that needle work on the front piece is superb

[@فنكجَلِيدٍ]

I'm commenting again to show my admiration for your work. It's great and quite beautiful!

[@cookingwithtabitha]

Thank you for the close up on the embroidery. I was hoping we could see some of it.

[@janecollette9504]

Tabitha Fallstead Yes such beautiful work.

[@CornbreadOracle]

It’d be interesting to see a video discussing the ways the different periods feel to wear as far as posture and walking. Shoulder sets and shoes are among the most obvious factors as to why body positions and therefore body language may change when wearing these styles, but I’m sure it goes much deeper than that.

[@reniekittelhinnenberg8593]

I just love watching you show the intricacies of woman's wear throughout the ages. Such beautiful fabrics, it makes me want to wear them too. Alas, I love the conveniences of the time we live in now.

[@Liv55555]

that is an utterly ridiculous silhouette, i love it

[@josephinewinter]

cute cute cute! Apart from bras over corsets, i think the single thing that makes modern dressing quicker/lazier is elastic in socks!

[@1PROUDGLAMMA67G]

I’ve done fell in love with your channel and your reenactment of different fashion from different eras. Also you talent for sowing and 👗 making🦾👑🥰

[@ivapolansky8004]

I suppose that the 15 (at the moment) thumbs down were the result of envy. Excellent work, Priorattire!

[@petrinaanderson9779]

I loves your videos. This is not only fascinating but thought provoking (on many levels) I really appreciate that we get this insight into a bygone era that might otherwise be lost to the ages. Thank you. I would so love it if it had a voice over instead of the captions so I don’t have to keep pausing to read and then look at the garment.

[@gristlevonraben]

very cool, and shocking. when we see old movies or paintings with women wearing just the stomachers and center piece, basically, they are lounging around in their bras! wow.

[@janecollette9504]

Gristle Von Raben good point.

[@HistoricalBelle]

So beautiful!!! I love seeing how one properly dresses in different time periods!

[@RavenCaptainofFloorsGuardS]

Your videos are always so nicely put together and the costumes are beautiful!! Makes me wish my old historical clothing collection still fit, haha. I would love to see a Victorian era mourning costume at some point, if you have the time and interest. (I very much enjoy Victorian era clothing and mourning garb in particular.)

[@sinndymorr6358]

Stunning gown and fabrics. Thanks for sharing!

[@sarahjuarez1433]

My favorite period of dress. Is the 1740s and the 1910s, late 1950s.

[@BelleFlower15]

I'm reading a series set in this era right now! Your timing is impeccable!

[@chibilaichi]

Stomacher...that's an interesting name, but nicely done with this video. Many believe this fashion made a person stiff and unmovable, but you showed a person can still fluidly move with such a dress.

[@JB-vd8bi]

Properly fitted stays and corsetry is great for posture and back support. By making your back straight you have to lift with your legs.

[@jobond3317]

There is something about grace and the flow of material that is so enchanting. Maybe this is the romance of ages past. The allure and mystery of clothing either hiding enhancing or beguiling of the female figure. Rather lost today

[@EdonesMordere]

You often mention how easily stays can be adjusted for pregnancy, perhaps you could do a video demonstrating how! Using a fake pregnancy belly of course.

[@Cora.T]

That interests me as well 😄

[@universemadeofcreativity5820]

Same here as well

[@priorattire]

just loosen up the lacing and choose a wider stomacher.

[@misscarr3286]

Another fantastic video. I can't tell you how much I love your videos. The gowns, the underclothing, all the little details, I'm fascinated with. Thank you for what you do!!! Hats off to your maid and photographer too. Great work.

[@Tina06019]

That is a lovely gown. I like this overall silhouette so much more than the generally fashionable silhouette of 90 to 100 years later.

[@ninam5975]

I’m obsessed with that stomacher! Tuula did an amazing job

[@johndent7332]

It is nice to see a lady bring back some of the fashions of times gone by

[@user-oj5bw7sl8p]

I just love to watch these videos! For three reasons: 1. They are educating; 2. Outfits are beautiful; 3. And I get reminded again, how wonderful it is - to be a modern person and not to be forced to wear all those layers,- and especially not the stays! Because as one, who tried the stuff, I know for sure, that all the restricting corset-like items - and even the most properly fit ones - are suffocating!

[@priorattire]

I am wearing corsets and stays all the timeA and if properly fitted they are far more comfortable than a bra....

[@mastersnet18]

For Christmas stays are different from corsets though. They shouldn’t be constricting but hug the torso comfortably.

[@thebeatisdead]

While the wide hips would be something to get used to, the dress is beautiful and you do look lovely in it.

[@macstabby_j]

I'm finding these videos sooooo soothing. Thank you!

[@nancyvolker3342]

I bet Merlin has something to do with all those missing sock bits. Have you tried looking under the deepest darkest recesses of your furnishings?

[@rebeccakimble7653]

I absolutely love these videos and I don't know why! I'm fascinated!

[@sarah-annecarney5458]

Because history IS fascinating. What's more awesome than seeing how our ancestors lived. Its a part of who we are 😊

[@elainegarcia7974]

Some day I will have beautiful historical clothing to wear! But for now I will just have to settle with watching you look lovely in them.

[@clod8]

Love the fabric and the stomacher. The mob cap and the lace fichu, tho, I know it’s historically accurate, but...there’s something deep in my psyche that sees that as old lady...really old lady...

[@clod8]

feverspell So true, and I know she’s careful to be accurate. Also, I’m old enough (near 50) that my granny used to wear a cap like that to bed with a very similar nightdress..

[@janecollette9504]

Very informative and enjoyable to watch

[@dariamariemuller]

Subscribed! After only two videos ;) I love seeing all the layers that make up the finished garment(s)

[@annjones3672]

How to delicately put this.....I think you might not want to stand in front of bright windows wearing such thin period correct undergarments.....Really enjoy your videos and admire your talent for sewing. Lovely work.

[@sewcrazybaker]

I LOVE the mid to late 18th century! This is probably why we visit Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia every year. I also love ALL your videos. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

[@haveswordwilltravel]

Beautiful garments. I loved the music as well.

[@madcatlady1935]

So beautiful, and the embroidery is stunning. Love your videos, wish I had just one ounce of your talent! Thank you 😀

[@TealCheetah]

That hand embroidery, wow!

[@VulcanTrekkie45]

When you started running, all of a sudden the song "Compliments" from 1776 popped into my head, when Abigail is running after the shipment of saltpetre she's sent to her husband to help out the war effort.

[@zappawoman5183]

Gorgeous! Stunning embroidery, absolutely beautiful.

[@Ravenzpeak]

I always wonder why the dress fashion was to be as big and wide as possible. Because carriages were cramped and rooms were small...they had none of the 'open floorplans' that are popular these days. They tended to be small and full of furniture. Wouldn't they be knocking everything off the tables every time they walk thru a room? Also, how did they keep the hem of their dresses from getting stained and filthy because they drag on the floor? Keeping garments clean must have been a major undertaking and most people couldn't afford to have very many new clothes in a lifetime. Can you do a video to discuss these questions? Thanks so much for sharing. I always enjoy your videos!

[@garlicgirl3149]

Great idea!

[@priorattire]

The big and wide attire was worn in palaces..... lots of space to swan around! if you lived in small and cramped places, you dressed accordingly :-)

[@druidriley3163]

@@priorattire - but you still had to cross rooms in your own house, cross the lawn, the drive and get in a coach and get out of a coach and go across grounds again. People promenaded in gardens. The hems had to get filthy and worn and ran across horse dung often enough.

[@smallgreykitten]

@@druidriley3163 I understand that in some places the ladies had very high heeled platform like shoes, I forget what they're called. And some were probably just carried thru the streets by servants in a litter.

[@druidriley3163]

@@smallgreykitten - in the 16th century, Venetian women wore "chopines" which were like platform shoes, but I can't think EVERYone did.

[@christina-yp6jy]

Love looking at all the old fashions. Thank you.

[@cjlaw0137]

Beautiful work! Reminds me of the Duchess of Devonshire. I wish I had a gown like this in my wardrobe. But I of course say this every video xo

[@_msthings_]

Oh my goodness! Your work is so amazing and detailed. It's exquisite and I can tell you put a lot of love and effort in the things you make and that you enjoy it. You look beautiful.

[@kimbargwanna1169]

I’m so pleased that I stumbled across Prior Attire. Not only are they fun to watch but it also makes me appreciate no stays, corsets or everyday multi layers.

[@cameronbaudelaire5658]

Kim Bargwanna Stays and Corsets are not bad. Ill fitted and incorrectly made ones are bad.

[@kittylenox8064]

Oh, but the wide hip dresses/gowns are really fun to wear!!!

[@melaniecossey1508]

Thank you. I adore the way these gowns seem to float when you walk or run.

[@Claudia-pn6xd]

As fascinated as I was watching ancient clothing styles and believe me, I did enjoy the video. It was wonderful! I could not help myself but wonder how hard it must've been for washerwomen back in those days, maids, slaves and pretty much every soul who was made to work day and night to serve those pretentious families...

[@ldk777far]

Amazing outfit!! I love the colours and the fabric - not sure about the face cream? lol

[@manpreetkaur9256]

Beautifully carried the ways of different dresses corset.. Hats off mam👏

[@BlissfulBluebell]

I'm binge-watching your videos instead of sleeping 😂😅 Hey you never know. I *might* find it handy one day...

[@cherrylee1103]

as with butter, a bow makes everything better

[@АннаТимакова-ф3э]

That`s one of my favourite eras! :) Thank you for your gorgeous work!

[@sdraper2011]

The stockings are beautiful! Loved the makeup segment, too.

[@PLuMUK54]

Madam! I am somewhat surprised that you stood so close to the window in your chemise...I distinctly saw some...ahem...gentlemen pass by!

[@peggystoutemorin4529]

Could hide a family of elves under that get up.

[@ragnkja]

Peggy Stoute Morin Just make sure they don’t get tangled up in the ribbons keeping the grand pannier in shape.

[@frost.bytten2023]

Lmao, lotr stealth mission, Legolas disguises himself in this and hides Gimli under the skirt. Legolas could easily pass for a woman, beanbags in the chest, this outfit and a bit of makeup, and he looks just like a woman.

[@Kat.26.02]

I couldn't even dress myself in one layer clothing 😂 And also I love the effort that you put in your videos! 👏👏👏 It actually makes me want to try this out myself!

[@VulcanTrekkie45]

I don't know about anyone else, but the pleats in the back of dresses like this always reminded me of superhero capes. Or possibly wings.

[@cactusc9519]

yeah, they remind me of faery or insect wings

[@caspence56]

I'm watching this on a steamy, humid day in July wearing shorts, tee, and flip-flops. Just seeing this amount of clothing makes me feel like I'm suffocating! How did they ever survive????

[@MegaPokemon1997]

Natural fabrics breathe easily as well

[@sophiejones7727]

natural fibers, and the layers act as insulation trapping the cool morning air next to your skin. since you didn't take the clothes off, that was pretty effective. The natural fibers do not impede your sweating process as much as synthetics do. I generally wear pure linen in the summers, as I prefer more modest styles. That being said, the heavy silk dress she has here would indeed be undesirable in say the Southern United States: she is in England, where summers are much cooler. If you were to make a summer gown in this style, you would want it in linen or seersucker cotton: and you would likely want to skip the extra stomacher. Remember too: light colors. They reflect light: the more light is reflected away from your body the longer it takes for your skin to heat up.

[@AlexYorim]

Compared to dressing up in the Victorian era, which surprisingly took around 10-15 minutes, how long did it took to dress up in the 18th century with all that makeup and all those layers?

[@priorattire]

about 12

[@jsmommy9804]

Thank you for including the make up routine in this :) Gorgeous work as always.

[@zentierra7803]

Though I have to admit that the mid to late 1700's is _not_ a period I find particularly pleasing in terms of fashion, mostly due to the sometimes ridiculous extravagances - particularly in wigs - of the late portion of the century, I _do_ love the fabrics. You look lovely!

[@belleophile]

😍😍😍 the most beautiful dress. Love your videos.

[@creativelobster]

One of my goals in life is to have you guys make a bespoke gown and a corset/stays for me and ship them here to America.

[@priorattire]

If it is a bespoke garment you are after, you would need to come here for fittings...

[@creativelobster]

priorattire since one of my other goals is to travel with friends and family who go to Europe every year for 2-3 months and sometimes longer, then going for fittings would not even be a problem, though I do not know how long it would take to make the gown, or how much time in between fittings it would take. Still it is my goal.

[@vandas5613]

You really bring the past to life, really enjoy your videos.😊

[@desertdaisymarie6951]

Love the clocked stockings..

[@alechiavassa]

I love this! This video made me wonder, when did it became common for western women to pierce their ears?

[@priorattire]

In the 16th century in England. Earlier in Viking culture

[@josephinewinter]

@@priorattire when i had pierced ears, i used to lick the hooks to slide them through my earholes - slimy hahaha

[@alechiavassa]

@@priorattire Thank you! I didn't know that

[@druidriley3163]

@@priorattire - earlier still in ancient Roman, Greek and Egyptian cultures.

[@floridaflamingogirl3119]

Stays are so much more tailored than bras in a way. With those laces, you got to tighten them to just the right accommodation for your “assets!”

[@NEMO-NEMO]

You also need to collaborate with someone that is just as knowledgable as you are, in hair styles to match your dress. It would also be great to look at what the servants, slaves, tradesmen, housewives, and your poorer classes wore. That would be really great.

[@ScorpianaXlynn]

So beautiful. I'm enjoying your videos and I am learning so much. Enjoying seeing the myths dispelled. One question. What type of pins are used to pin stomachers in place?

[@priorattire]

stright brass or steel pins

[@mildredchester]

Beautiful fabrics. I was surprised by the makeup though.

[@labhrais6957]

Can we bring back corsets and these beautiful dresses please??

[@ashleer7583]

As a heavier set woman that does not enjoy fainting...no thanks on the corsets! Agreed on the dresses though. I wonder if we can make them in such a way now that a corset isn't needed.

[@labhrais6957]

I find corsets to be great back support

[@carolynworthington8996]

Ann Oviatt I might need to try that! Bras are not that comfortable or supportive for me.

[@ashleer7583]

@Ann Oviatt I'm sorry Ann! I had no idea that it was actually comfortable for a bigger woman to wear. Thanks for the information! :)

[@jilllogan1288]

So lovely, I think this is my favorite period of dress

[@MarGomez93]

I really love yoir videos!!!! And the dresses, are just amazing

[@mnels5214]

LOVE! What an elegant, lovely look. The sacque backs are so pretty.

[@harrietennis4046]

Anyone else planning on burning some cloves now? I have no idea what the lippy was bit it has a lovely effect so I might try to get yold of some of that too. Marvelous as ever.

[@FireMageLayn]

It is nice, though I know from other research (into medicines, and what people thought was healthy that wasn't actually) that a lot of cosmetics were lead (white), antimony (black), or mercury (red) based. I like the modern alternatives better because they aren't.... deadly.... but that's one point where historical accuracy is simply not practical.

[@harrietennis4046]

@@FireMageLayn yeah, I think you have a good point there. And after reading a little on it I think I'll skip the lipstick - not because it's deadly but just yuk! I expect modern ines are too but I'm a step removed. I may still try the burnt cloves, although I know from making pomandars that they are very spiky so care will be needed.

[@e.s.r5809]

@@harrietennis4046 Burts Bees have red tinted lip balms made with all natural ingredients (primarily beeswax, coconut oil, and cochineal), and the effect is quite similar. They're obviously not vegan though, if that's a concern.

[@harrietennis4046]

@@e.s.r5809 that's s good idea, I might well give it a go, thank you. It's not the ingredients themselves so much at how they need to be processed. I haven't the stomach for it!

[@renaultellis6188]

These flat hoopskirts are the direct opposite of the bustles

[@Woeschhuesli]

Really appreciate your videos and seeing these clothes on a „normal“ woman! I expected to see you going through a door sideways in this one LOL 😉

[@zephyrblue2032]

HA! You took up the whole bench! Love it!! Watch out running in that.....you may take flight!

[@JJJ-mq5ok]

Adorable. Going back in time.

[@cakastas]

I would love a pattern for this corset. I love that is laces in the front and still gives good support. I have made a few corsets in the past and am considering making this one.

[@sierralarars]

It's a Pair of Stays not a corset ^^ Stays are one of the precursors to what we know of as the modern corset, still a long way off though and lacks certain features for it to be called a corset (namely all that metal!). There are a multitude of patterns for Stays out there! I've had good luck with Patterns of Fashion 5 (need to buy but has MANY patterns and a lot of useful information including how to draft your own pattern) and Corsets and Crinolines (can find online pdf) by Norah Waugh. These are books based on extant garments so they give great insight into correct silhouettes and accurate patterning to achieve the look. You will need to alter these patterns to fit as the modern body is typically larger than the extant counterpart. There are also numerous KZbin videos on the process of constructing Stays too as the process differs from modern corsetry (namely each panel being finished and boned before final assembly and binding). Tip: don't use steel boning for stays as it will get very heavy very fast. Stays can be half boned or fully boned. You'll want to use German Whalebone, some folks use cableties but that can be inconsistent from experience. Sorry for wall of text! Hopefully it helps you on the pattern front!

[@JacquelineHahn1]

I want to know what the maid is wearing, what about clothes for the common folk?

[@druidriley3163]

How in the world did wearing pounds of clothing and elaborate framing become fashionable? Were so many layers necessary in the summer? I can't imagine being in a steamy coastal town in the summer wearing so many layers!

[@SoundShinobiYuki]

Clothing was a display of wealth for most of history when most people were lucky to have two outfits, and even through the industrial revolution it continued to be a show of affluence (you had beautiful delicate fashionable clothes and didn't have to go work and dirty them!) until about the 1920's. And see her video on how people dealt with summer temperatures in the old days- it's quite enlightening.

[@cameronbaudelaire5658]

Also, natural fabrics are great at keeping you cool and breathability.

[@arwahsapi]

Who else is watching this in 1740?

[@hollyw9566]

Hahaha!

[@Nikki-tx6kh]

It does remind me of one of Claire's gowns in Outlander. The yellow one she wears on Paris. It had a similar flower pattern on the stomacher. I know a lady in tumblr who reproduced it doll sized.

[@mariameister9814]

It's actually the same era, so Claire really has worn a very similar one. But it's nice to see that I'm not the only one who thought of Outlander😊

[@autumnsun7379]

As always...wonderful! I so look forward to your videos!!!!!!

[@sldulin]

And if a sudden rain squall came up?... what a debacle that would be!