Nursing Frocks
Posted by Lisa in LA on April 03, 1998 at 20:53:42:
In response to Hmm, that was awhile ago..., written by ElaineL on April 02, 1998 at 21:49:25
In CW Cunnington's English Women's Clothing of the Nineteenth Century, a Nursing frock is shown with a front flap that turns up. (p. 30)
Also there's a note: "Nursing Dress." A curious variation of the high stomacher front dress is occasionally found, in which the back of the bodice only is attached to the skirt, the side seams are left unjoined, and the front is tied down over the skirt by means of a drawstring. The flap thus formed could be easily turned down for nursing purposes. A specimen of this is in my collection. (See advertisement, 1814. 'New invented dress for Ladies who nurse theri own children. It enables Ladies to nourish their infants in the most delicate manner possible, when full dressed.') (p. 33)
This book is a must have for costuming afficianados of the 19th century. My Dover Publications edition in paperback was $24.95.
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