The Mantua-Maker

This pattern includes 6 pages of instructions with historical tips, and 1 pattern sheet. It is printed on bond paper, and enclosed in a white paper envelope.

All sizes Petite – X-large are included.

1880's - 1890's Corset Cover Pattern

Historical Sewing Patterns

No. 1880-9
Protects your corset and softens the silhouette.
Two necklines:
High neckline for daytime.
Low neckline for evening wear.
Decoration ideas included.
$9.00

The corset cover was another of those layers intended to protect the corset, as well as a lady’s modesty. As many as 40 lbs. of clothing might be worn, so the lady was well protected. The British dress reform movement, not popular in the U.S. or France, stated that the “maximum weight of underclothing (without shoes) should not exceed 7 lbs.”

The corset cover was one of the little layers. It was usually made of very thin cotton cambric, although the rich wore silk and the poor wore coarse muslin. It was often edged with lace, ribbons, Swiss embroidery, and tucks.