The Cost of Clothing in 1900

[@MysticOceanDollies]

$592.51 is relatively cheap with how much silk, 100% cotton, and wool goes for today. The leather shoes alone would be over $150.

[@canuck3169]

The shoes look like American Duchess Gibson shoes, in the US they are $199.00. She is an independent historical shoemaker, and ships to various countries

[@MysticOceanDollies]

@@canuck3169 they definitely look like American Duchess! I own a couple of those shoes myself and they have always ranged between $150-200 whenever I bought them. They are good investments though.

[@heather2185]

Ya, i was going to say that. To have this outfit made custom today would be around $1000 or more, i think. I’d have to work it out but that’s my first estimate as a current professional seamstress in Canada.

[@martinjonsson9348]

Silk was produced where possible on a global scale. If Greece had the same conditions as China both countries exported silk produced in these countries.

[@MysticOceanDollies]

@@canuck3169 yep! I own a few American Duchess shoes myself and they tend to be around the $200 range. They are beautiful high quality shoes though and I love the ones I own!

[@christinapalafox]

The "milage" we get out of clothing has decreased a great deal as well. The cost per wear of roughly corresponding garments or ensembles may have less of a difference.

[@fioreolivares1638]

True. Especially women's clothing, all the material is so freaking thin. I tend to buy some clothes from the guy's section (or boy's section really because I'm kinda small) just because I HATE how thin the material for shirts and pants are. Like come on!! Why can't they make our stuff better considering how much more we have to pay for our stuff. 😫 (I know it's a business but it's a huge jerk move).

[@saynotohookups]

@@fioreolivares1638 I know. I often have to layer my clothes to be more modest because of how see-through it is.

[@cc1k435]

​@@fioreolivares1638It's the pink tax, yet again. They claim it's because women's clothing has fussier details to create. That can be the case, but a tshirt is still just a tshirt, and it doesn't have to be thin and short-lived.

[@samparkerSAM]

My Great Grandmother's corset cover was recycled into a garment for baby baptism... I kept it because of the use as a family garment, never knew the name though... LOL 😅

[@Irrazzo]

There is even a term for this. The "Sam Vimes 'Boots' theory of socioeconomic unfairness". "The reason that the rich were so rich, Vimes reasoned, was because they managed to spend less money. Take boots, for example. ... A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. ... But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that'd still be keeping his feet dry in ten years' time, while a poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet."

[@kirrafour1689]

I had to replay multiple times when I heard "Clothing is much less expensive now than it was in 1900." The amount of money we pay to have even a little bit of those fabrics is insanity. Their clothes lasted long enough to pass down through generations and still be strong and sturdy.

[@Nagvanshieus]

Even a simple handkerchief has gone expensive

[@deborahgibson7814]

Was 😢servant labor for sewing & or design/alteration included in cost Analysis? I didn’t think so.

[@deannadeleon1882]

I have often thought about this. I believe knowing the folks that make your clothes, whether because they're custom or you know/live near the people/place where they're made is in part about pride. Also skill level of seamstress/tailor would factor in to their employability and demand for their clothing. Much less homemade where so much love and need for durability would factor in. There was a waste not want not, when a house hold with 5 to 15 children that had to make it through those clothes. The joy that would have been to repourpose your grandmother's lace gown for your wedding or a beloved christening gown through the generations siblings cousins. Yes. I firmly believe These are the massive factors in the quality of the clothes.

[@deannadeleon1882]

​@deborahgibson7814 with all industry there is that darkside. Anytime I see prices too good to be true, I ask myself, "who suffered so I could save a buck? Under what circumstances was this fabric woven? What health and safety standards have been skipped over to make this so "affordable"? At this time in my life I do my best to educate myself on companies and buy as much from artisans and small business with pride in accountability as I can. The past haunts us, but the lesson helps us make steps towards a better tomorrow.

[@Goldenretriever-k8m]

I bought a wool sweater recently it was almost $300

[@LadyVineXIII]

We also have to take into account wear and use. Clothes were better made of more durable materials. They were mended instead of being tossed. Stains were removed or carefully covered. There was also no stigma about wearing the same things multiple days in a row as only the innermost garments got dirty and had to be washed. Everything was mostly aired unless a untoward stain or bit of mud happened. Less washing meant less wear on the clothes that were mostly already made to last. Fast Fashion would have been viewed as an absolute waste of money. This makes a huge difference and is definitely something I have noticed as I have changed my own clothing practices.

[@bbbean]

Yeah, I would much rather have more expensive clothes that will actually last nearly a lifetime. Today, we rarely have that option. Price doesn't even matter. There are very expensive pieces that are terrible quality, and quality can vary even among a single brand. It's unfortunate. The only thing I don't envy is wearing so many layers on a daily basis!

[@olga_lc]

​@user-wh5ir4fo4r my clothes are quite cheap as well, and i only wear them for one day then wash, but i still have c-19 tshirts, jeans and even socks😂 So i guess they are not that bad after all

[@kristinathomas5890]

​​​@user-wh5ir4fo4rsame except that sometimes I've gotten an item that had bad stitching that started to unravel within a year or a few years. One was a shirt that cost more than I normally would spend! 😢 I've only noticed things that cost more than the minimum price being poorly made in the past 5-10 years. It's not even a C0vid-era problem. I don't know why it changed.

[@g5rearea]

@@kristinathomas5890 I've noticed the decline, too. I had a pair of jeans I wore for something like 12 years before the back seam split open. Bought a new pair from the same brand, same style, and after a year of light wear the inner thighs are damn near transparent. Awful quality. I'm trying to learn how to repair a rip that big so I can salvage my favorite pair and get a few more wears out of them.

[@yessumyecrad]

​​@@g5rearea​I make and repair clothing for a living and my method of repairing holes is to use an iron on patch on the inside that matches (as closely as you can) the weight of the fabric, then (if you have access to a sewing machine) use the darning function or free motion topstitch on the outside over the area in a matching thread color. You can stitch in a grid or really do any pattern you like as long as it reinforces the patched area. If you don't have access to a machine, you can hand stitch patches/strengthen areas using the sashiko method...if you're hand stitching, though, I wouldn't use iron on patches because it's too much trouble to stitch through by hand. I hope this is helpful! ZeroWasteCartel has a great little tutorial on their channel about mending jeans.

[@h0rriphic]

I have noticed a scary-sharp decline in the general quality of textiles and garments- over the past 15-20 especially. I have towels, sheets, linens, and clothing (from silk under pinnings to heavy wool and leather pieces) from the 60s-early 00’s that are in better shape after decades of use than supposedly comparable items purchased within this calendar year. It breaks my heart to think about all the unnecessary waste caused by these cheap textiles- both from the manufacturing of and when the same items make their way to a landfill as they are not made to last more than a couple years at best.

[@mangot589]

Agree! I can’t imagine ANYTHING lasting 50 years now. Don’t even get me started on appliances lol

[@Queenofdacastle]

Yes and I hate how they don’t use leather the way they used to. Nothing beats real leather products I’m so sick of all of this pleather and polyurethane! And I they want like $500 for real down comforters nowadays makes me very sad smh.

[@Duh_3298]

Preach! I have been thinking the same. Many of the bed sheets my parents had are still very comfy and useful. They have been washed and handled for years and still stood the test of time with very little scars. But the bed sheets I have bought both from shop and online are looking more old than my parents' ones now🥹

[@evm6177]

Lol the comments here and how distinctly cold , calculative and robotic as we English women are known to be world over.. Observe as we never bother ourselves with giving each other sweet heartfelt positively caring compliments like for instance - 'Oh You look so absolutely stunning in that attire dear Margerie ! 😍❤' indeed as Margerie (If that were her name) single and disillusioned about her midlife crisis or whatever probably would have likely hoped for all her effort in looking for a mere sweet compliment on her looks as any woman would desire through this particularly crafted video.

[@SamUrtonDesign]

@@evm6177 WTF?

[@abbynormal3192]

Yes, the clothes would have been more expensive relative to now, but people also didn't have a whole walk-in closet full of clothes and shoes. In fact, homes in the 1800s didn't even have closets, perhaps only a wardrobe. They bought a few quality pieces and took care of them and mended them when needed.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

I don't get the obsession with this verbatim point random people make. People had outfits, in a wardrobe. Usually 7-10 outfits. Nothing even remotely similar to pants and a t shirt as it requres so much more to it.

[@mmgs1148]

I dont have a closet in my house in 2024 too lol, just a chest of drawers and wardrobe. Actually my ancestors had whole Rooms dedicated to keep instruments and traditional clothing inside while they were sitting as families of 6,7,8 all in one room. Because they didnt have proper chimneys, the rooms were dark because of the smoke so they needed separate rooms, not heated, for traditional clothing and other important stuff

[@sofiasininen8268]

And today people also don't have walk-in closets. Only rich people have those.

[@antichristp0rnostar]

@@sofiasininen8268i think they more so used a “walk-in closet full of clothes” to refer to _enough_ clothing to fit inside a walk-in closet, since people currently own much more clothing than they used to

[@DrErnst]

Hey, I sew a hole closed on my sock yesterday so speak for yourself.. 😂

[@sarav2209]

i feel like that's actually comparable to what a new suit and blouse would cost today. especially if you get something from a quality store and have some tailoring done. once you add in shoes, underclothes, etc. my partner spent over $100 just on a sport coat a few years ago to wear to the company holiday party. i guess that's the difference. his jacket was bought for certain occasions, and this was more casual daywear.

[@yeomanscholar]

Yeah, this is what I was thinking. I'm more into menswear but for a non-glued non-fused construction made to measure by local tailors? I think this would be a great deal actually.

[@martinjonsson9348]

But they didnt buy in bulk. You had most likely specific shoes for occasions or accessories in good material to interchange outfits. Today you buy Zara to make an outfit seem more expensive even if the rest of the worn is bespoke...

[@erinrafferty5659]

Exactly! Just considering number of pieces involved, it seems pretty reasonable. If I wear a VS bra ($78), Madewell jeans ($128), Free People top ($78), Birkenstocks ($140), and a small leather bag (~$200), my outfit is not far off this cost. And those are all things I own and would realistically wear together without even thinking of them as especially expensive!

[@mplwy]

​@@erinrafferty5659 That's incredibly expensive.

[@bbbean]

It's not comparable. A suit and blouse may cost the same, but shown here is the price of everything down to the (many) undergarments. Especially with the prices on women's undergarments today, this would be far more expensive today if we still wore equivalents to all of those things. Bras alone are $50-$200 for a good quality piece.

[@Crazyjoepondue]

$592.51 is a damn good deal today on an outfit with that many pieces…and the quality of the clothing made then is so much better those outfits would have been worn for years. Made today you would have to replace them seasonally from wear.

[@AT-cy7im]

Agreed, in 2016 I spent eur 750 for a suit: 1 jacket and 2 pair of pants

[@caramayer]

Totally. But sadly, as you said, eben stuff that expensive will often be of low quality and either have loose threads, buttons, badly done seams and so on. But sewing yourself is also not cheaper, bc the good fabrics are that expensive.

[@morganssmashingpearls3329]

@@caramayerIt depends on the brand. That’s why it’s helpful to learn about fabrics and be able to notice details like stitching and general construction. I have had pieces for years that with proper fabric care look as good as when I bought them.

[@caramayer]

@@morganssmashingpearls3329 I know, but sometimes it is hard to see/know, especially if online shopping. Often it's not so much the quality of the fabrics but the workman/womanship. Even "high end/quality" brands produce in asian sweat shops where staff is overworked and underpaid. And it's often not so easy to find those brands who don't - especially with the abundance of options.

[@michellebyrom6551]

​@@caramayerpaying for good fabric is an investment matching your time and skill set. I spent over £60 on cotton drill to make trousers and matching hooded jacket last winter. The jacket is double lined for warmth and has well placed inside pockets to keep my phone/glasses/money safe. A similar suit without the extra details would easily have cost 3x that off the peg. It looks and fits well and the jacket is good with other outfits. Good construction techniques and seam finishes aren't a given either, as you pointed out. If price was a true reflection of good design and quality, that suit would be worth 4 to 5 times its material cost and well beyond my budget.

[@norwegianblue2017]

Back in the day people had way fewer clothes, but they were much higher quality. Ever see a normal bedroom closet from the 1920s or earlier? They are little bigger than the size of a broom closet.

[@agodlyhome]

That's what I have now and my husband and I share it. We really don't need as many clothes as we think.

[@radhiaradi]

Magnifique

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

Gasp, wouldn't want to live then. A little larger than a broom closet? That seems reasonable actually.

[@joeyree22]

@@agodlyhome good for you! I’d say I have the same size closet, but I need all of it and don’t share it with my husband. I have two large drawers and a few small ones for my delicates; it feels fairly reasonable for me, especially when compared to others.

[@asmrcrafts9279]

I love how even the under garments are beautiful

[@4fNReal-]

Me too!! Everything had its own beautiful place in that outfit.

[@MichelleSzymoniak-yz3hl]

They should bring this fashion back. It’s so elegant.

[@lola_love444]

It wouldn't be difficult to do, people just need to start dressing like this again🤷🏻‍♀️

[@AstronomicalJelly]

nothing stopping you from dressing like this dude(well other than cost and the availability of these clothes lol) but a style doesn't have to be trendy for ppl to wear it

[@evm6177]

Lol the comments here and how distinctly cold , calculative and robotic as we English women are known to be world over.. Observe as we never bother ourselves with giving each other sweet heartfelt positively caring compliments like for instance - 'Oh You look so absolutely stunning in that attire dear Margerie ! 😍❤' indeed as Margerie (If that were her name) single and disillusioned about her midlife crisis or whatever probably would have likely hoped for all her effort in looking for a mere sweet compliment on her looks as any woman would desire through this particularly crafted video.

[@SlumberBear2k]

it's white people clothing.

[@naylisyazwina6836]

This is like 7 layers 😭 it’s def a better style than going around half naked and the shortest shorts and skirts and a tank top but dang 7 layers…

[@meganparrish807]

Wish we had modern takes on past fashions because that outfit is beautiful. Can't help but feel that even though we've progressed forwards we've gone backwards in some areas.

[@nscott1101]

I agree, also people actually took pride in their appearance, none of this dressing like trash or wearing your PJ's to the store, I certainly know what era I'd love to live in!😊

[@alexiabowen4035]

Most areas

[@thundercat9427]

Ok. But this walking suit, is ADORABLE!!!

[@kim6234]

It is but without all those layers. I get hot easily

[@emeraldlight4727]

❤❤❤🎉

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

​@@kim6234 That's not quite how that works.

[@LilacDaisy2]

That is pretty similar to now, considering how MANY clothes we have. They'd have only a few outfits and reuse the undergarments with each outing. My mum as a little girl in the 1960s only had ONE good dress and two play outfits. They weren't poor - it was just normal.

[@neekMarieM14]

And don't forget that little kids would wear aprons or pinafores over their clothes. Kids get messy, and a pinafore is a lot easier to make and wash than a whole dress.

[@lily-annmurfin1842]

I would like to ppint out it would have been that outer clothes they repeated the most, not the underwear. As a method of keeping clean they would change their shifts after every wear, one for day one for night, or fresh in the morning and wear the same one at night. They would have multiple shifts, stockings, (and draws perhaps), inner petticoats etc. Corsets and some of the outermost petticoats would have been semi regularly washed as it was difficult.

[@katraylor]

I've started hand-stitching some clothing for myself (I have a sewing machine, but I enjoy hand-sewing more and am doing it as a hobby). It takes absolutely forever, but... I kind of like that? You're not going to spend time making a garment you don't really want, each thing you make is going to mean a lot to you, and how many clothes do you actually need? One of the sewing KZbinrs I follow (who'd made 90+ garments in about two years) said of one thing she'd made, "I wear this a lot. I think I've worn it at least three times." It really made me think of how little individual pieces of clothing are valued in modern fashion culture and how temporary everything is expected to be.

[@Nekogal21]

And also garments that are incredibly hard to wash. Without soap, shampoo and deodorant (the latter of which not even existing then) I'd have wasted so much more than this given the fact on a normal day I can sweat through a shirt in 10 minutes and stink through my clothes after one day. I also only wear clothing that's 100% cotton because synthetic fibre irritates my skin too much and makes me itchy

[@Undergroundgossip]

I don’t have a lot of clothes 😂🤣 there are still people who don’t own a ton of clothes 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️

[@Cat-wh5gf]

Our materials today also suffocate our skin, are full of plastic, and fall apart with a few washes and cannot be “fixed”. Clothes back then were quality made from quality materials and didn’t end up in heaps in landfills. They could be passed down and held inherent value. Make no mistake, clothes are MUCH more expensive today.

[@pinkparasollise9646]

My grandmother was born in 1906. She told me that when women's skirts were raised above the ankles, HER mother thought that was the greatest thing!

[@Poodlebear19234]

I want to bring back this fashion. It’s so beautiful and makes your body pop

[@MerelvandenHurk]

Absolutely! There's a valid argument to be made that back then, everyone could look good no matter their body type because the clothing was so instrumental in creating the desired silhouette. But these days, with skin-tight and less structured clothing, you're dependent on your body type and whatever the desired silhouette is at any given time is unachievable for many. But back then, even significantly overweight people could achieve that desired hourglass shape, with corsets and bustles and smart padding. The result of modern fashion is way more people who feel insecure about their body, way more pressure on people to go on dangerous diets or spend fortunes on cosmetic surgery. We should bring back the focus on the clothes creating the silhouette, not a person's body!

[@Ralof_the_1rst.]

@@MerelvandenHurk Yes i agree, but people that were overweight back then were not as overweight as people today, there are people that are 300/ 400 pounds , because of the way food is made now. People back in the 1900s were healthier because they did not sell such terrible food, and they wanted to try and keep a healthy body; So im not saying that people couldn't fit in these types of clothing, im am just saying that people were not as overweight back in the day. But yes today they could make improvements if they brought this back. Because i love this type of clothing.

[@DriveCarToBar]

lol she put on a corset in the first 20 seconds of the vid.

[@anandabliss9997]

@@DriveCarToBarshe’s also very slender though that corset just accentuated her waist more.

[@iridescentshards]

you can wear whatever you want dude

[@melz3752]

I love that outfit! It lt is so elegant and beautiful 😍

[@BeDesignfullyYou]

Her ensemble makes me think about the song "Sophisticated Lady" by Natalie Cole ☺️

[@seceliyaangami]

This outfit is beautiful. I love the old time's fashion❤✨✨

[@BellUnderwood]

It also stayed in style and lasted a lot more years, nowadays clothes wear out after a few washes

[@muliczakatalin8247]

Depending on the quality you chose. I mean, if you have a choice.

[@Undergroundgossip]

Not if you chose the cheapest fabric

[@muliczakatalin8247]

​​@@UndergroundgossipI do not understand how this comes to what was said before.

[@meowiguess903]

The fabric chosen and how you washed it

[@klrdrawings2205]

Also, the washing machines are terrible as well as soaps, detergents... They used to wash clothed by hand with natural soaps

[@FairyFoxDreams]

Cotton, silk, wool, and linen are more breathable, last longer, and more comfortable. 😢 Or you can buy some plastic materials that were made in sweat shops with names like Temu.

[@tammybenaytv4631]

And all those chemical deep into your skin.

[@jocelynecupcake]

1. not everyone can afford nice things. 2. Not everything from Temu is made in a sweatshop, you're thinking of Shein or Wish

[@keithstewart934]

​@@tammybenaytv4631And they are endocrine disruptors. Avoid wearing synthetics, at least right next to your skin.

[@_beatngu_]

The goofy thing is the more expensive, “higher quality” clothes y’all try to shame poor people into buying are mostly made in those same sweat shops 😢 You just get them from some brand pretending to be ethical instead of a more straight from the source place like temu, shein, etc 😢

[@jessicaflemister4825]

@@_beatngu_yea at the end of the day unless you make it yourself, you don’t know what conditions they were made in. I love the feel of nicer fabrics (except wool), but I’ll NEVER be one of those people who shames people who cannot afford these fabrics. Even on sale those items are EXTREMELY expensive and most people in the world, even if they bought less quantity, could not afford to purchase them. Thank you for saying what you said!

[@yardleyscully3818]

It is really enjoyable to hear commentary when modeling vintage fashion!! Brava

[@mccorade5941]

Plus, they also tended to own less clothing, and I'm pretty sure the outer garments could be worn multiple times before being washed, since it wasn't against bare skin like most clothes today.

[@g5rearea]

My little house was built in the 50s and the closets are TINY. My grandmother, born in the 30s, had three dresses total until she got married. One very nice one for church, and the other two were alternated throughout the week.

[@francikoen]

@@g5rearea I also grew up in an older home in an expensive neighborhood. And the closets were very small. My grandmother said, as a girl, she had 2-3 dresses... with one being for Sundays. Her parents were frugal but not poor.

[@kerriewithpurpose5722]

Wowwww

[@123_just_K]

I have a question, what do you mean they weren't "against bare skin"?

[@jar4lifeo-o69]

​@@123_just_KClothes back then were usually in layers, so it was unlikely that the outermost clothing wouldn't touch your skin and catch all the sweat n' junk we discharge throughout the day. Compare that to today, where, besides your underwear, it's likely that nothing is really stopping your outermost clothes from touching your skin...along with all the sweat n' junk.

[@Jewelmind]

Wow ,the old clothes were so much more beautiful

[@flowersforthedead5182]

There is something very satisfying about you getting dressed and talking to us. The buckles and buttons and layers and lace it's very soothing.

[@10Jupiter]

Gorgeous! Reminds me of "Mary Poppins".👒💐

[@heidimisfeldt5685]

Sure does.😊❤

[@heidimisfeldt5685]

She surely does, and she look gorgeous. 😊❤

[@heidimisfeldt5685]

Comments just keep disappearing, no matter how positive. Discrimination against Mary Poppins ???

[@chanchan5349]

I remember my mother talking about pads they made for underarms, especially for nice fabrics (silks), that they wore to prevent underarm staining when perspiring.

[@agemoth]

That's very interesting! I think I wondered about such an invention once!

[@jax24356]

Sometimes I put small panty liners in my bff's shirts for him because he asks me to, so this is hilarious. 😂

[@cognitive-botanical-therapy]

They talk about that on Mad Men 😅

[@jenniferharris1280]

yes, they're called dress shields, and it's to prevent soiling, both to keep the fabric in good shape and not smelly. you can still get them but they're hard to get in the right place.

[@faizrumi2588]

I want that era to come back ❤

[@CharmagnCody-mw6zr]

Very pretty!! I love the scalloped skirt in the middle of the dress

[@AliciaGuitar]

I was wondering about that... i think it is an apron? 🤔

[@Jennifer.-xi6di]

I’ll comment over here too…I adore the entire ensemble but that blouse is perfect in so many ways.

[@evm6177]

Lol the comments here and how distinctly cold , calculative and robotic as we English women are known to be world over.. Observe as we never bother ourselves with giving each other sweet heartfelt positively caring compliments like for instance - 'Oh You look so absolutely stunning in that attire dear Margerie ! 😍❤' indeed as Margerie (If that were her name) single and disillusioned about her midlife crisis or whatever probably would have likely hoped for all her effort in looking for a mere sweet compliment on her looks as any woman would desire through this particularly crafted video.

[@amylynn826]

And not only is that blouse amazing, but that corset cover underneath helps give it so much structure to help create the hourglass silhouette. These clothes are magical. I wear a lot of long skirts and tees that are either cropped or tucked into my skirt but all these under layers would really up my game.

[@raquelramos1619]

There was a lot of beautiful material involved as well, plus the style . I love it !🌷

[@Cimlite]

That style is gorgeous. Wildly impractical, but gorgeous.

[@Midoriventure]

I mean...it's not that impractical. I know women who wear skirts every day of their lives, and I am one, and nothing about this outfit is that hampering. The skirt is narrow but not restrictive, the sleeves are tight, the hat is small, there's no bustle and no train. You can do most everyday things in it either unaltered or with rolled sleeves.

[@jaybeanzx]

How’s it impractical?

[@lemongreed7916]

I think it's impractical because of layering, a lot of people don't wanna be a cabbage. I like this, but for many others it's inconvenient

[@IceOfPhoenix88]

Corsets arent as impractical is you might think. They used to do full on sports and stuff in corsets

[@eh1319]

​@@IceOfPhoenix88 ...and one might be thinking why women in sports won't use corsets when doing demanding sports. They used them because of societal pressures.

[@merrymaya]

That corset is absolutely amazing!! Just gorgeous!

[@4fNReal-]

Agree! The whole outfit is lovely...❤

[@Jessica-rs8bf]

So many layers. I can’t imagine they smelled very good in summer but the outfit is amazing!! I love it!

[@sherid2621]

Stinky for sure

[@amycrowe8243]

That dress is beautiful!!

[@jannatrimi5496]

"Am I the only one who's suffocating??"😂

[@lukealadeen7836]

No she also took my breathe away!

[@melonmusk11]

😅

[@joelcardoso3617]

All looks quite breezy and light

[@marshall-boo]

Господи, какая прекрасная женщина! ❤

[@Christina-th5di]

The ladies clothing stores that used to grace the downtown shopping areas were fabulous. I remember going with my grandma and seeing her buy fancy hats complete with a veil and hat pins. Ladies used to dress so differently yet, respectful and proper. Love that dress and foundations you showed us . ❤

[@megayummyrockstar]

I wish this would heavily come back ❤

[@SoundsofJoy-MusicChannel]

Wow, you look stunning!

[@hagerkhedr7750]

That’s a steal tho, especially considering it’s natural fibers. I’ll wear that outfit any day

[@irishdancr8]

I love hearing about this because it let's me put a benchmark on what i should be spending on my historical clothes. If I don't want to make that I better be prepared to spend at least that it puts it into perspective!

[@SARMY7]

Such a lovely dress!🥹✨

[@jenn976]

I love all the clothing you wear and all your explanation.

[@danae1326]

Such a gorgeous outfit but I don't know how they didn't sweat to death!

[@sandances]

People smelled back then!

[@elithasim]

The material used then was very thin and light weight.

[@mississippiqueen2164]

As a person who did reenactments, THEY DID

[@chirpydragonfruit9464]

Let's not forget that they were accustomed to wearing it all, and that makes a big difference too!!!

[@A.H._]

Yeah, sure, they did sweat, but natural fibers are so much better at letting the air flow. Wear that same ensamble made out of polyester? You WILL boil to death.

[@nicolasbikic2861]

It is all so beautiful and such good quality. The fabrics, the colors, the cut are amazing. I think it would have been odd if it did not cost that much.

[@bonniebloom452]

I simply adore listening to the stories you share. The outfits are very interesting. Please keep Sharing

[@CarolynKane-bx3ou]

Well this was rather expensive at that time even for a working lady!! I will bet she had to save for awhile. But I do envy that they were made of cotton, silk or wool. Today everything is a blend. I call it junk material. Really is only supposed to last for one season! Sad that we are such a throwaway society! I will take those old days any time.❤❤❤❤ The outfit is really nice. Thank you for sharing!❤

[@wisewoman7906]

It makes me discouraged that quality natural fabric clothing is so hard to come buy without taking out a loan or selling a kidney. Granted, rayon flows nicely, but it's hot and (like silk) stains easily. I completely understand why cotton calico was all the rage during the mid-1800s.

[@Judith-wq2jp]

Around 1900, the average pay for a man for day's work was $1.00. Of course, this was probably a 12-hour or more day. Women were probably paid half that, if they were lucky. Also for a twelve or fourteen hour shift, and a half- day on Saturday. Rest of your time off for shopping, laundry, cooking/eating, personal care and any individual interests. Oh, and church on Sunday...

[@jewelleryaddict]

Yes we are actually wearing mostly petroleum based clothes. They don't last, don't wash well, are hot, shrink, stretch out of shape and in summer they ate unbreathable. I prefer the old school clothes made out of good material even the cotton now is still mostly cheap and does not last.

[@ronnie-lynn]

@@jewelleryaddictyes but I figure at least it will decompose in a landfill and sit there for thousands of years like polyester. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@SE-gs6gd]

I only buy natural fibers and in a lot of cases it’s cheaper

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

The corset is simple but elegant! Love the outfit!

[@itsalwayshalloweenexceptwh5118]

500~550$ for this ensemble is very reasonable, lower in cost than I would have guessed considering the amount and type of materials and work that went into this. I wear alternative fashion and my outfits cost that much or more. If I make parts of them myself (such as the dress or the blouse, and only count the material costs for those) they're still at least 300$. I'm not bragging, I wish this hobby didn't cost so much but on the other hand people deserve to be compensated fairly for their work (the time and effort they put into making quality clothes). If we take that into account it's not expensive for what you're getting (quality price ratio is at least reasonable).

[@hakudoushinumbernine]

Yeah, the hobby of making your own clothes is so expensive... but i justify it as theyre not costume as im wearing them every day. Cosplay doesnt have a justification outside of "its really cool thing to do in my spare time" or "this is my job" you cant really wear a goku Cosplay or an inuyasha cosplay without being labeled as a distraction or seeking attention. But you can if its all you own in terms of work out Clothing. Sweat shirt sweat pants? Yeah, the pants are made more baggy than normal sweat pants. You gathered the wider leg ibto a cuff and to make those red sweatpants really balloon out in a familiar way. You even pleated them for a bit of design...😮 and the sweat shirt has slightly larger than normal sleeves but... unless someone's REALLY looking... no ones going to say anything and your not wearing the wigs or any accessories, so UNLESS someone goes "yo das inuyasha" no ones giving a second glance, and you have clothes to work out in AND to throw together something last minute for a con. Like... blue leggings, blue t-shirt... white workout gloves... red and white running shoes 👀👀👀 OR comfortable work boots for working out in... white? All of my pajamas are things I've made testing patterns. And because of certain elements, i can turn those into light cosplay aswell. I wouldnt beable to do it at all if not because of using the elements separately as every day wear. So i ultimately dont end up spending more than i would if i were to have bought all my clothing. Its the ONLY reason i can justify making any of it.

[@itsalwayshalloweenexceptwh5118]

@@hakudoushinumbernine This is a long comment, but I promise there's a bit about cosplay at the bottom. That's such a good point. I still wear dresses I made back in the mid to late 2000s. It's so much less wasteful to just make something that is exactly what you want compared to being dependent on which clothes you can find that appeal to you. Although the total cost of my outfits is quite high compared to the average outfit today, I have spread my purchases over 2 decades so I'm sure I spend less on clothes/accessories/shoes per year than the average woman my age. My tastes have changed slightly in the last 22 years of wearing and loving alternative styles, my body has changed as well. If something I made is no longer suitable to me but still in decent condition I put it up for sale in the local second hand alternative fashion market. For a very friendly price though, because I want to contribute to my local community, free up closet space quickly and also avoid having to put it up for sale in the international second hand market. I usually just use the material costs as a guide for pricing because I want to free up space in my closet. Earlier this year I sold a dress I made in 2008, and I charged 15eu because that was literally how much the fabric cost (I didn't factor in the notions, trims or my time) and I really just wanted it gone. A woman from the local community bought it and tagged me in her outfit post on IG. It was such a good feeling to see someone else wear and enjoy the dress I made. It warmed my heart to see that it found a new loving home. She thanked me and told me it was the dress she has been wearing the most lately. I can imagine why people like cosplaying (it's not my thing though), but if it's something you only wear once that probably feels wasteful. Although I've heard cosplayers sometimes reuse parts, which it sounds like you're doing but also getting more wear out of the items outside of the costume context. What you're describing also reminds me of "bounding". You may be familiar with disney bounding, if you're not it's the practice of wearing an outfit that is themed after a fictional character from the disney movies without it being an actual costume. iirc that was a way for disney lovers to dress up when visiting the parks without violating the disney park "no costumes" rule. I did help someone with a cosplay once. He wanted a sogeking costume and had already made the mask and staff himself. He wanted me to make him a cape and striped arm warmer. I knitted the armwarmer out of thin cotton yarn, which made it stretchy and form fitting without being too warm. He insisted the only suitable fabric for the cape was thick woolen fabric (like used for winter coats). Considering the fact that the anime con was in the height of summer (30~38 C) I tried to persuade him to use something else. But he could not be swayed. I admit it looked awesome, but he was drenched. His suffering was prolonged because people kept asking him to pose for pictures.

[@mjbe]

​@@itsalwayshalloweenexceptwh5118 We are watching the anime, so there might be something different in the manga, but considering the circumstances, wouldn't Sogeking's cape be made of whatever he could lay hands on in a hurry? 😂. ... Earwormed now 😮

[@itsalwayshalloweenexceptwh5118]

@@mjbe I don't know the origins of the character, but if he came up with the alter ego to save his friends he probably didn't have much time to go cape shopping and also probably wouldn't have come across such a large amount of woolen coat fabric. I personally never bothered to watch the show or read the manga. I tried a few episodes but it just didn't appeal to me enough. Now I hear how many episodes there are I'm glad I never started.

[@a_karch]

What is alternative fashion?

[@beckybaker6907]

Love when you give comparisons of prices!

[@nikkinanette8807]

Very pretty suit, I love all the layers.

[@krism.9363]

I love seeing & learning about how much clothes then costs in today’s money. I’d also like to know what the salary bracket of a middle class person was at the time men & women. Beautiful outfit!

[@moonbeamstarottiffanywells1460]

So lovely they need to bring this style back! Love it 😍

[@Carole-u3z]

Love the layering. Beautiful outfit made from natural fibers. A hat finishes the look. Love it ❤ 🙂

[@patriciacollier3920]

I love the petticoats. All the natural fibers are beautiful.

[@cici3147]

People forget how expensive clothing has always been compared to modern day. Definitely something thats worth repeating

[@biancagerade4229]

Considering almost everything we own is made in China, the quality is not that good unless you're willing to put out some serious money

[@TurboPikachu]

Except it’s even more expensive today. That $592 figure comes from average raw US dollar inflation across *all* goods, not the inflation of the specific materials used in that outfit (which have become much more eye-wateringly expensive than most other goods). Moreover, if it were made in America with how incredibly rare US production has become these days, the suit would be closer to $3000-$4000 ($82.08-$109.44 in 1900) Clothes only _seem_ cheaper now because they’re made with worse materials by sweatshop slaves for the past 40 years. Worse yet, a $592 suit today doesn’t have all those undergarments and all of its integrity would be washed away within a couple years, while those ones from the 1900s lasted lifetimes (as all the corsets, petticoats, and covers kept the outer suit from needing daily washing)

[@LycanFerret]

But I can't find clothing in my size and tailoring it is not an option as I need almost 10" in multiple spots removed. So if I want good fitting clothes I need to custom make every single thing. So my clothing, if I want to look nice, will be super expensive. Shoulder - 50" Shoulder Bideltoid - 55" Bust - 47" Underbust - 43" Waist - 29" High hip - 39" Hips - 40" Bicep - 16" Forearm - 13" Wrist - 8" Thigh - 22" Calf - 18" Ankle - 11" Inseam - 25" Height - 61"

[@thisguy2973]

But it also costs more to live and our currency is worth way more than it was in 1900.

[@TurboPikachu]

@@thisguy2973 I think you mean our currency is worth way less than it was in 1900. One dollar back then was worth more than $44 today

[@MrShahrozzz]

Old is Gold 👌🏼

[@LisaG442]

Women of modest means would’ve changed the trimmings or added a layer of Illusion over a worn ball gown to make old clothes look new. Hats likewise would get trimmed in new ribbons/embellishments. We only ever see the wealthy with new clothes in every scene in movies, but everyone else in reality was making over old clothing into new with needlework wizardry. Normal ppl didn’t change their clothes as often as we do today and a few outfits would suffice.

[@susanb4816]

People rarely bought new clothes in the working class even when i was a kid in the 60s. Trades, church basements and charity shops have been sadly abandoned and folks think of clothing as disposable

[@allisonkrueger8330]

Uuuhh we still have thrift stores here in America

[@sandances]

There are numerous resale shops where I live.

[@allisonkrueger8330]

@@sandances exactly

[@jessilynallendilla5014]

a well worn victorian dress lasts over 100 years if stored right a modern dress will probably get a decade of use before falling apart or being thrown in the dump

[@RvnClw-e8d]

Not even a decade. I got a new dress from target for 40 bucks- I thought it looked like great quality and it started ripping at the Seams within a weak. So disappointing.

[@RvnClw-e8d]

Week*

[@A.H._]

@@RvnClw-e8dlmao, you accidentally got it right. It’s weak, much like virtually every garment made nowadays. Even “luxurious” brands are making crap. You have to buy from brands that specifically talk about their quality materials and construction, otherwise it’s most likely a badly made garment with terribly cheap fabric. So sad. There was a sweet spot not so long ago when we could count on price to guide us: cheaper stuff was meant for fewer uses, higher price tags meant they were quality. Not anymore. And before at least we got actually much more use of cheaper stuff. Now everything seems to fall apart quickly. I’m rambling, sorry, I’m just so upset.

[@dovie2blue]

Worth every penny if I could look as beautiful as you!!❤❤❤

[@dynamtalimanjabanda3820]

The final look was beautiful

[@Aleena_McLean]

Absolutely beautiful

[@Raindrops-on2vh]

What you need to take into account is durability. My grandfather still has suits he bought in the 1940s and are still good today. Shoes back then were made of really tough leather that would last forever. Clothing today is basically disposable garbage.

[@sharongammell4111]

I have always loved the look of outfits such as this walking suit, even as a teen. LOL!

[@dr.stuartcantor9325]

Great job showing this, takes me back 2 when my grandparents were kids but I was young when they died & don’t remember anything about them except my dads mom I was 21 when she died, still anyone living to 60-93 seems ancient to a 21 year old. Now I’m 60 & thanks 2 internet have learned so much

[@SoLuVaBle299]

I was born and raised in Florida and when I think about the swamps, the mosquitos, the humidity, no A/C, AND all those layers back in the early 1900s, I just about have a heat stroke.

[@loribragg2947]

Same here-native Floridian. I learned Tampa almost didn’t become a city due to the chronic outbreaks of malaria. I can’t imagine how miserable this tropical climate would be on a woman in the 1800s-1900s. 😬

[@lunaqueer]

There were different outfits for y'all's weather, made of different fabrics that breathe better. Linen for example is pretty magical (it's a shame we don't use it nowadays), helping you cool down.

[@Universal_.A.I.]

Due to climate change, the weather was actually a bit cooler then.

[@kotake1522]

​@@Universal_.A.I.😂 100/200 years ago? Definitely nope

[@jonathantan2469]

They would dress differently down in Tampa & New Orleans than in Boston or Chicago. One less layer and more linen & cotton which wicks away sweat & is quite breathable. Plus, there were far more trees around, so it would be cooler than today's heat islands of asphalt carparks, strip malls, & concrete buildings.

[@PeaceJourney...]

Beautiful outfit, brilliant video. Elegantly showed us each layer as it went on and how it all came together, very rare to have such a concise explanation and demonstration, thank you 😊

[@lacymorris115]

Absolutely love your story telling style 😊

[@patriciatinkey2677]

Many times the clothing was re-made into new garments, adding only partial new material when fashion changed I LOVE 1900'S STYLE!

[@ssh6414]

I was born in them 👀

[@MarshallMcCrory]

😊😊😊😊😊😊 @patriciatinkey2677 Would you please be a game changer and start a movement to rid the world of yoga pants? I'm not saying we should totally return to the Victorian era. But PLEASE......yoga pants gotta go.

[@evm6177]

Lol the comments here and how distinctly cold , calculative and robotic as we English women are known to be world over.. Observe as we never bother ourselves with giving each other sweet heartfelt positively caring compliments like for instance - 'Oh You look so absolutely stunning in that attire dear Margerie ! 😍❤' indeed as Margerie (If that were her name) single and disillusioned about her midlife crisis or whatever probably would have likely hoped for all her effort in looking for a mere sweet compliment on her looks as any woman would desire through this particularly crafted video.

[@anastasiasaratlic7019]

@@MarshallMcCroryi agree- only if you meant that yoga pants shouldn’t be worn in public. for working out, we should totally keep them! 😂 no one should do yoga or weightlifting in a skirt, don’t you agree?🤭

[@heidibee501]

l have read many historical novels and bios of people back then. Its nice to get this insight. Thank you.

[@chocobrown79]

🙋🏾‍♀️ Same here.

[@Abdulrahman1997A]

So unique and luxury looks ❤

[@d.j.howardindtla8748]

I noticed that. What my mom paid for shoes in the 1970's is just a little less than what we pay now. 1970's shoes were of much better quality too.

[@bigdawgz4530]

People just dressed SO much classier then than they do now. You look so elegant & regal in your outfit. I really miss people dressing nicely instead of wearing a sloppy t-shirt & pajama pants yo the store.😞

[@danielegarotti7884]

No, I prefer now

[@pinkbrando]

😂I miss it but as somebody whose disabled I kind of am glad we dont have these standards.... the nightmare of having to limit my mobility in stiff denim already and then to sweat to death only 30 seconds outside 😢😅😅😅

[@Sisterkainat]

Love how modest and beautiful it looks

[@hihihi900]

Omgosh it’s beautiful ❤ The look then was everything put together, for male and female.

[@bionodroid547]

It wouldn’t be made to measure, it’d be bespoke, the difference being that MTM is a modern technique using computer assisted design to alter pattern s tour clients whereas bespoke requires you to draft or drape patterns just for the client

[@KylieLittig]

This set fits you so well, I feel like I should be seeing you in an Impressionist painting ❤❤❤

[@isabellenicaud3725]

This suit is gorgeous

[@alwaysannoyed11]

That's a really nice outfit!

[@vernelledouglas1801]

Thanks for the info. That silk, sleeveless waist is gorgeous.

[@AnnC....]

Beautiful clothing compared to now

[@tinaroberts5858]

Better quality for sure

[@julierichens4218]

You have the most beautiful glowing skin!❤

[@beehungry6190]

Dang thats a lot of layers but man they all looked nice back then!

[@martinjonsson9348]

Silkproduction was a big widespread craft. I visited Skiathos in Greece they have a small museum about the silk/clothing production in Greek Islands. Everything revolve Mulberry bush (Tree)... Delicious berries.

[@Soaring_Seajay]

This is so stunning!! Beginning to end ❤

[@DrAnarchy69]

Clothes are cheaper because the manufacturing is much lesser in quality and the labor cost is even lower

[@christinegallo4983]

In all fairness, back then they already would have started to have mass manufactured off-the-rack clothing made by exploited laborers who were paid poverty wages for piece-work so the cost of labor was probably comparable

[@Ilovegrunge123]

People are buying clothes less and less in actual stores now the top places to buy clothes are temu or SHEIN maybe alli express all made in China clothes which we are finding out more and more how they cut corners. Also why clothes are cheaper though the cutting corners on making clothes by using hazardous stuff is still the same as back then.

[@oldasyouromens]

This is all true, however nice clothes still cost quite a lot of money. As someone trying to buy work clothes of natural materials, even blends from a Chinese family owned tailor will cost $70-150 per item for linen and $100-200 for wool. Factoring in any additional tailoring, underclothes like slips and stockings and shoes, and it's comparable

[@muliczakatalin8247]

That was the message of this video, I guess. Clothing has never been cheap.

[@Ahopek]

That outfit is gorgeous!

[@JaheimsStrugglingHairline]

You aren’t taking into account inflation nor cost change. 1 dollars in 1913 is equal to 32 dollars today. High end clothes cost about the same amount today once the proper count and rates are taken into account.

[@faktson]

Exactly!

[@theresa_s]

Bring back the Walking Suit!!! 😄❤ and the cape lol need those

[@1953patriciamorris]

Don't forget that wages were very low for most women. In 1910, my grandma was a milliner/hat maker. She was 20 years old & made $1.50 a week. That was enough for what she called "car fare" riding the street cars in LA to & from work. It covered her groceries too.

[@jermanvonjowo]

This need to be higher. That 590 Dollar is not right since the wage at that time is really low. To get 16 Dollar your grandma need to work 10 weeks or 2,5 months, thats mean around 7500 Dollar if monthly wage is 3000 Dollars at least

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

No one was making $1.50 at the end of the week. I make 20 cents an hour, I will have $6.50, with a daily earnings (of a 4 work day 8 hour shift) of $1.60 per day. Low class jobs paid 30¢ an hour, not 30¢...a day. This isn't 1830. Servants were paid $3.50 a week. Black servants were paid $1.50 a week (in Missouri)

[@JE-vv3nj]

It would be a miracle to find an entire ensemble like this for any less than $800 today. I’m glad there is more value to these things, it just sucks that more people don’t or can’t splurge for this kind of clothing

[@evm6177]

Lol the comments here and how distinctly cold , calculative and robotic as we English women are known to be world over.. Observe as we never bother ourselves with giving each other sweet heartfelt positively caring compliments like for instance - 'Oh You look so absolutely stunning in that attire dear Margerie ! 😍❤' indeed as Margerie (If that were her name) single and disillusioned about her midlife crisis or whatever probably would have likely hoped for all her effort in looking for a mere sweet compliment on her looks as any woman would desire through this particularly crafted video.

[@jasonrist6582]

average yearly wage in was $449.80 in the united states. $16.20 was 3.6% of an average wage in 1900. that would be $1368 in 2024 as a percentage of income

[@scgirl9310]

What a beautiful and elegant look

[@DoubleBob]

I'm surprised how comparable the prices are to today even though there are like 120 years of industrialization, robotics, global logistic chains, mechanized agriculture, petrochemicals, ai optimization and so on inbetween. Where did the profits of these advancements go to?

[@itsalwayshalloweenexceptwh5118]

I think this suit would cost between 1000 and 2000$ today, because of how expensive these materials and the labor have become. So this is not at all comparable to a 550$ women's suit today. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that people shouldn't be compensated fairly for their work. It's just that in today's world these things are more expensive than they used to be.

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

They went overseas to China, and got ate up in shipping markup. There's no way you could get that for $600 now -- that's the equivalent of one cart full of groceries.

[@strawpiglet]

The prices aren't so comparable. $16 then was much, much more than she thinks it was. People are using the government inflation index which became false in the eighties.

[@itsalwayshalloweenexceptwh5118]

@@strawpiglet Thank you, I felt something didn't quite make sense.

[@DoubleBob]

@@strawpiglet Are you gonna provide some explanation or example why you think she is wrong? Right now your comment is just a "trust me, bro" from a stranger.

[@Kornholeeoo]

Girl, you make everything look awesome!! You are in the top 5 most beautiful ladies on the internet today. And for the record, Kim Kardashian is # 751,458 on the list.

[@ElizIsa-lj9lx]

❤so pretty, reminds me of good old days, vintage.

[@toyyatoy]

Beautiful!