What did Edwardian Women ACTUALLY Wear? | Unboxing 100 Years Old Clothes

[@grammykcutter6374]

The white dress could have been a high school graduation dress. We have a picture of my husbands grandmother who graduated in the early 1900s. The girls all wore white dresses much like what you have and carried large bouquets of flowers. They all looked so elegant.

[@ThePixiixiq]

The waist tape helps keep the back close to the body, especially if you have a sway back (like I do). It's very helpful! ^^

[@anna_in_aotearoa3166]

Was especially impressed by the extreme care which the third seller (the lingerie dress) had taken in shipping their item, plus the sweet extra they included in the lace collar? They clearly respected the true historical value of the item, & I can definitely see why you would want be a repeat customer for them!

[@loverizzato9081]

It looks like a Victorian mourning shawl. The embroidery is exquisite!

[@nicolawebb6025]

I love that you're planning to continue the living life of the shawl. I know we have to preserve these things but I think it's a shame not to use them too.

[@dee-annegordon5959]

As someone who has no space to even think about collecting antique garments, I absolutely love these types of videos. It's the closest I'll probably ever come to being able to examine the real thing. That black bodice was breathtaking.😍

[@colettebramwell-colyer]

Omg that lingerie dress 😍 the dress Bernadette Banner made looks somewhat similar to this.

[@janisi9262]

That green walking suit with cute little bolero and stripey silk - I just love it so much! It's gorgeous but also something I could see someone wearing on a day-to-day basis. That black shawl looks machine-embroidered and may be from a later period. OR it was just exquisitely made - hard to tell in a video! I know a lot of people see black Victorian/Edwardian clothing and go 'mOURNING?' But I think that black bodice might actually be a mourning garment; probably somewhere around half-mourning, or late-stage mourning. There is trim and decoration, but nothing sparkly, and the white with teeny black bows (v. cute) is striking some half-remembered mourning wear memories. For the same garment, the waist tape is meant to keep the back of the bodice close to the back waist. I think these were especially helpful in the bustle eras when people wanted that extreme shelf-butt silhouette. Hooks and eyes: I don't think the black ones are replacements! Of course I can't see them as well as you, but using the cheaper, brass ones on the inside, where they won't be seen, and using the painted, black ones where they might peek out the side of the closure, is a very Victorian, cost-saving measure. As you mentioned, this sort of thinking is evident in the green bodice, where the silk is only used where it will be seen, and the polished cotton is used where it will be invisible to anyone but the wearer. (Though honestly that polished cotton is really nice and I'd love something made of it!) I hear you on the white skirt. Theatre pieces usually have large seam allowances to allow for alterations, overcast or serged edges for hard wear and washing, and some EXTREMELY dodgy piecing. I don't know enough about construction methods to come to a decision and I didn't get a good look at the inside. Maybe it was a home-made garment by someone who hadn't mastered their sewing machine yet? A home-made summer skirt? It's probably not meant to be worn as a suit with that bodice, and just ended up paired with it. On the other hand, did you see the "drunk stitching" on one of Bernadette's study, lace gowns? Crooked as heck and tension issues ALL OVER the place. The numbering on it could have been meant for identification when it was sent out to be washed - though, in ones I've seen, there's usually more identifying information and not just numbers. Though maybe that's a house number? Whether it is original or not, it's still quite nice. (Note: snaps were patented in 1885.) This pile of disjointed thoughts is to say: Don't immediately discount it as a later addition, but, given the evidence, it's completely understandable to be suspicious. Honestly, I'd like a closer look because now I'm EXTREMELY curious! Oooooh, a lingerie dress! Those pintucks are TINY! Remember what I said about the drunk stitching on one of Bernadette's study pieces? This dress shows the same thing, especially on the bodice! You're probably right that it was made for a young woman, but I also want to state that I had a 25-inch (63.5 cm) waist (uncorseted) until I was about 26 years old (and contracted Lyme disease which killed my energy levels.) Some ladies are just noodles.

[@christineholbrook1107]

What a moment when you revealed the green suit . You could feel the history and the time that's passed .Incedible too see how it was made . Just loved them all . Nobody will want to keep today's clothes for a 100 years , unless of course the' re couture . Thankyou for showing us your wonderful purchases.x

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

Stunning! If you don't already have one I recommend getting a clothing moth trap just in case there are eggs on your wool pieces. The last thing you want is an infestation, believe me I know!

[@BoundlessEyes]

'She is damaged, lol. Relatable.' SO relatable. Also, SQUEE Elliot Wardian suit!

[@thecupthatcheers9763]

Oh my gosh, that black bodice is so nice! The condition is amazing! I bought a much simpler black silk bodice this summer that was also in basically perfect condition. It's so surprising when you find something made of silk, that isn't shattered or split at all.

[@michellecornum5856]

I think the green skirt is my favorite, but that black and white blouse is SO perfect. The skirt I know I can reproduce. {crap, another thing to add to my list} These are all so wonderful.

[@juliemiller9258]

When I first arrived at college, I was gathered up to wear 2 tiny old dresses for a fashion show for the dinner banquet for scholarship recipients of a women's business group. They had rules, and I fit! I had to have 2 inch clearance in case I sneezed, but I did not sneeze. The outfit that blew my mind was a suffragette outfit. Blouse, Jacket, and skirt and boots! This was some 45 or so years ago, but it was like stepping into history.

[@calicolyon]

I love that you are fixing the shawl

[@mygreenfroggy]

Maybe these would be good for making sketches of all the construction and how it would have looked, like a fashion sketch with instructions? And then maybe sealing them in a frame for protection like a work of art.

[@olivetreewoman]

The green bodice! Oh, my gosh that is so cool to see pinked details like that! It answers some construction questions I had. Thank you so very, very much for sharing these pieces with all of us!

[@CraftsyPenguin]

such a happy video! Great to see you enjoying this and showing us the details. I love how the pintucks flare into the skirt on the lingerie dress.

[@devh6168]

These pieces are STUNNING!!! So happy they've found a happy home with you....

[@penneyburgess5431]

It would be wonderful to get the dimensions of these outfits and recreate the patterns to size them for those of us who still dream of wearing such beautiful clothes. Learning all the techniques of hand stitching (the lace work on the white dress 🤯) embroidery and bead work (black and tan piece and that amazing shawl)and boning. I can dream.

[@sharonwerner2419]

Those garments have landed in the best lap they could have.enjoyed your enthusiasimn as much as unboxing.

[@hannahgreen681]

As pretty as that black one is, and the bows X3 I would say that the green wool one was just amazing. I know you can't put them up as you don't have a dress form that will fit but I would love to see how it would look. It is quite inspiring me, I really want to see if I could replicate it. You have made amazing finds and I do hope that you share more with each one in the future.

[@marthabenner6528]

That is so cute. That little piece of what you suspect is corduroy on the hem. I suspect is a dust ruffle they are put there to protect the hem and they used to take it off when I got worn out or to dirty. On that black suit jacket, are those buttons? beads? or knotted tassels? I inherited one of those dresses, it was my grandmother's grandmother's wedding dress, my grandmother diet 93 4 or 5 years ago both she her mother and her grandmother married late, and my mother was 40 when she had me, her eighth child but not her last, so I don't know the exact age of the dress but rough calculations it really old. And I won another one in a silent auction at our local second hand store, which is basically an antique store, I spent way too much on it too.

[@wannadonna1074]

I am so happy to see how excited you are. The garments are beautiful! Congrats!💗

[@pickledequity]

You could always try to store the outfits like antique kimono, there is a practice of storing kimono in tato-shi washi storage papers with strings and or other methods similar. Some Japanese don't have a lot of space but require many items to dress in kimono that need to be protected and stored in very humid and small areas. I think giving their methods a look over you might find a way to make it work for yourself if you are working with limited space.

[@debbiesoleildierkes7602]

Thank you for your very dear excitement, you gave me good cheer. The garments are all amazing and I enjoy seeing all the construction details. So fun!

[@DipityS]

I adore them all - the beautiful blackwork embroidery on the shawl is still intact - and the lingerie dress is exquisite and I completely understand your cooing over your precious 😊 My favourite is the first light green - the colour and the work - those sleeves! It's gorgeous! Your camera picked up an impressive amount of details and allowed me to understand the quality of material used.

[@paperyakuk]

What a wonderful collection of items! Thank you for sharing your joy with us. I’ve got a collection of ex-theatre reproduction costumes and one or two original pieces from the 30s but I might just be tempted to look on eBay now 😅

[@EverythingOnIce22]

Everyone take a drink of water whenever she says 'stunning' 😆 We'll all be well hydrated by the end of the video

[@Devanrealness]

😍😍😍 Thanks for sharing!

[@jerahyassine3192]

They were all amazing! I loved the first one! I loved the contrast between the wool and the lacey bits.

[@TheMetatronGirl]

I think you’re the best kind of weird. Besides, normal is boring. Thank you for sharing your acquisitions with us! They’re so pretty!! That lingerie dress was just swoon-worthy, and the bows on the black bodice were indeed adorable. The construction on the green skirt and bodice is really interesting and they’re so cool! I can almost picture her up and moving around. May life bring love, light and blessings to you and yours.

[@New_Wave_Nancy]

I don't think any of us subscribed to Cat's channel would find anything at all weird about her excitement over these garments. We're weird in the same way.

[@saymyname2417]

@@New_Wave_Nancy - You beat me to that. I find Cat's reaction quite understandable. Because I wouldn't feel ANY different... 😁 !

[@annebigelow4096]

Lace collars are multipurpose- they can be worn with almost anything, or by itself as jewelry!

[@rachelfloyd5865]

Very enjoyable! Also, the back view of your video is pretty cool today! OMG!! That black shawl embroidery! LOVE IT!

[@woodenkat8971]

I want a really good pic of the embroidery to just look at.

[@ourancestralhomestead]

I do not share your love for buying old clothes, but I love how happy and excited you are:)

[@canucknancy4257]

So pretty. Glad you found something that you adore. Thanks for sharing

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Wow all the pieces are stunning!!! I’m happy for you!

[@mgam9501]

I really do hope you are going to make a copy of the White cotton dress it would be amazing

[@traciasmith1542]

I believe the black and white bodice is actually a 2nd year mourning bodice. it's skirt would have been black also. I believe your black shawl would be used for both 1st year and 2nd year mourning.

[@alisiaeve]

Omg that last dress! I was coveting those pintucks too!! I'm so glad you were the one who got it 💖

[@Gravuun]

Im glad these garments are in such good hands now :)

[@alinaruff6540]

Very stunning pieces 😻. Will you going to recreate some of them? I would love to see it.

[@judithgreenwood6247]

Lovely things. It was inspiring to see them.

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

Beautiful treasures. Tysm for sharing!

[@agimagi2158]

Just commenting for the algorithm! Truly lovely pieces!

[@lisa8a8e]

stunning!!!

[@jkabholat]

Enjoyed your excitement as much as the articles.

[@julieedwards6937]

Fascinating, I’m so pleased to see garments like this survive

[@gerileemakes]

It was fun to see these. And your excitement was so cute! ❤

[@xCielorosax]

Those garments were gorgeous! It’ hard to pick a favorite, lol. I love the little pin-tucks though, it gives it such a nice touch.

[@AliensWearSunglasses]

Oh that shawl

[@theculteredvulture13]

So many lovelies!!!

[@killamoosdraree730]

Thank you so much for sharing these with us! They are all so gorgeous.

[@bookhoarding]

I loved watching this unboxing with you! Thank you for sharing these insights and such cool footage.

[@iSharShar]

26:20 SQUEEEE SO WORTH THE SUSPENSE

[@marthabenner6528]

I haven't actually asked an expert on how it affects old garments, but there's ways to use cedar oil sachets for keeping moths out of your clothes and your dressers and closets, it's more gentle and smells better than mothballs. I have also heard that lavender works but I don't know how that stands up to long term storage. That's if you don't have an old cedar chest.

[@lesleyharris525]

Hi, I looked at each piece and thought that's my favourite, they are all beautiful.💖

[@ushere5791]

cat, dear, your finds are exquisite. i am so happy you have them! and i'm sure they're happy you have them, too. enjoy them in the best of health!

[@dragontearsoflove]

I see what you mean...there is no black trim on that skirt...and that waistband looks quite modern.

[@mousee23]

The dress is so see through. This surprised me

[@kirstenpaff8946]

Pretty!

[@believeinfaeries8713]

So pretty! Can't wait to see your work on the shawl!

[@meamela9820]

When you talked about the boning cases being slightly larger than the boning, did you mean that it is supposed to be wider or longer or both? Gorgerous pieces!

[@CatsCostumery]

I meant longer, sorry! But they are also usually a little wider than the boning :)

[@alinaruff6540]

I have a theory about that lingerie dress. As you said it may be worn by a little girl. The insertion lace could be added gradually because the wearer had grown an the dress become to short.

[@pippaseaspirit4415]

Mending the shawl looks as though it will involve re-weaving for a really good mend. That should keep you busy for several months!

[@Bygone_Wardrobes]

Gorgeous pieces! Thanks for sharing 😊

[@flowerchild777]

Incredible😍 I'm so happy for you

[@diamondslashranch]

You did so well beautiful items!

[@SmithCaro]

Imagine someone is watching this not realizing that this was worn by their great, great grandmother ... 😮

[@saymyname2417]

Have you ever done a Victorian lingerie dress?! If not, you should make one for yourself (probably modelled after the one you just purchased). And film it. OF COURSE 😊 !

[@delanocarson7544]

This was a super fun video but I was having a really hard time listening in places because the sounds of the packaging were so so so loud. Especially the crinkling of the paper, I was having to turn down my speaker during those parts :(

[@woodenkat8971]

The lace dress probably is a child's dress. I just made a dress for a 12 year old, with about that waist, and she has some growing to do.

[@rachelboersma-plug9482]

Young girls didn't usually wear floor length skirts with trains, though. That's something you'd expect to see on a young lady who'd finished her education and was out in society.

[@thecupthatcheers9763]

@@rachelboersma-plug9482 the original wearer was probably a teenager wearing her first adult dress; she could have been as young as 16, or she could have just been short.

[@rachelboersma-plug9482]

@@thecupthatcheers9763 That seems about right. I would be surprised to see a full-length gown on anyone younger than 16.

[@agimagi2158]

I just can't stop thinking about the lingerie dress! It is soooo pretty!!

[@waterbitten]

I love your analysis of the garments, I'm wondering if you got a garment that was a recreation done in historical practice would you be able to tell that it wasn't a "true" extent?

[@CatsCostumery]

I wonder about this too! I think the biggest clue here would be the fabric, the weight and weave, as modern fabrics just don't have the same handle as historical ones :)

[@caoimhenimhuireadhaigh1303]

The lingerie dress had to be for a teenager, it is so small!!

[@margaretfudge9985]

If you're sure the linen skirt is a reproduction you can contact the seller for a part refund. Honest sellers will want to keep buyers happy. If they don't respond eBay will help you.

[@stephaniesews6603]

Anyone getting Tuck Everlasting vibes from the lingerie dress? The age checks out, I believe the main character there is in her teens, and I can totally picture a girl that age wear that dress.

[@sineperil]

You are weird, but in the best kind of way. 💙

[@ushere5791]

antique damaged woolen shawl ... anna the @prettyshepherd has entered the chat :)

[@roxiepoe9586]

nice.

[@ThePixiixiq]

Does the pin tucks on the skirt of the lingerie dress create some sort of pattern? I couldn't really tell from your footage :)

[@CatsCostumery]

It's not quite a pattern, but they do follow a triangle formation, in the sense that the pin tucks closer to the side seams are shorter than the ones in the centre front of the dress :)

[@adriannegentleman83]

love the lingerie dress is so beautiful, you are so lucky.

[@mfg2324]

😍

[@ucfeet1]

Cat, near the beginning, you say the "inconspicuous packages". That is incorrect. The packages would be conspicuous not "INconspicuous" No intention to be mean just to correct.

[@LunaC...]

Gorgeous haul; out of interest do you need to be careful about arsenic or other poisons used in the manufacturing process for antique clothing?

[@CatsCostumery]

For sure! That's definitely a concern. It's always a good idea to check what colour dyes were used, when and how, though that information can be a little hard to find. In general, green deserves care - but I think earlier pieces only, the Edwardian suit should be fine :)

[@janeww2783]

I love your videos and maybe it is just me but the tissue paper crinkling sound is so loud I can't hear anything else. I know you need it to keep the garment safe. . . I just wonder if there is a way to get the mike closer to your mouth and less of the crinkley paper sound. . . I had to practically mute it to tolerate it. . . . :/

[@IJUSTNEEDASTUPIDUSERNAME]

Same, I had issues with the audio in the last couple videos as well. Hope she addresses this