SKU: 41536469218
what is an empire waist dress

what is an empire waist dress 215 Empire Dress

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Description

what is an empire waist dress 215 Empire DressMisses sizes SM 3XL. This high waisted dress known today as "empire" was worn in the period following the French Revolution in the late 1700s. Often called a "chemise gown" to satirize its scandalous brevity and lack of undergarments, it reflected a desire to return to simpler, classical Grecian dress after the excesses of the European nobility and patriot alike. Its peak of popularity was during the "First Empire" period (1799 1815); hence its name.

Misses sizes SM-3XL.

This high-waisted dress known today as "empire" was worn in the period following the French Revolution in the late 1700s. Often called a "chemise gown" to satirize its scandalous brevity and lack of undergarments, it reflected a desire to return to simpler, classical Grecian dress after the excesses of the European nobility and patriot alike.  Its peak of popularity was during the "First Empire" period (1799-1815); hence its name.  It was worn floor length or as high as knee length in front; trains were also worn for day or evening until 1806.  The Empire Dress has remained a favorite fashion silhouette through today.

Folkwear presents a sewing pattern for this classic in three lengths, with two sleeve options.  A narrow bodice is gathered into a slim A-line skirt front and side panels, and full gathered skirt back that falls to just below knee length, full length, or full length with train for weddings or formal wear.

On the traditional version, drawstrings fit the bodice firmly to the bust and tie at center back. For contemporary wear, we suggest a closed back and elastic in place of the drawstrings. Short puffed sleeves may be cut very high or slightly longer - both are authentic. The longer sleeves feature button and cord detailing. 

Suggested fabrics: Soft, lightweight or medium-weight fabrics such as cotton gauze, batiste, dotted Swiss, rayon challis, silk, very lightweight silk velvet with drape.

Yardage chart (.pdf)

Era: Regency, 1700s to early 1800s

This pattern is available as a Paper pattern and PDF pattern.  Choose the pattern format you want at the top.  The PDF pattern has instructions, and layered files for copy shop (36” and A0), projector, and print at home (A4 or 8.5”x11”).

Sewing Tip

Linda of Pine City, Minnesota, says this dress is popular with the Fur Trade reenactment crowd and she has made it several times. She says, "Some of us have a devil of a time putting together the little pieces that go around the armhole. The pattern markings are critical, and you should use tailor's tacks and position them carefully. I also suggest that you clearly mark the wrong side of each of the little pieces if your fabric's right and wrong sides are similar."

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SKU: 41536469218

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Kim B.
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Will buy again!
Flavor Name: Americana
My dog loves the chicken chips!! Not greasy or high calorie.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2025
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Maggie WW
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 3
Dogs love’em but too pricey
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Dogs really like them and I love the fresh ingredients but they are way too expensive for the amount of chips in the bag.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2024
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Alexis
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Impressive!
Pattern Name: Graceful(12 Sets)
These are very pretty looking off and on the face. The sticky backing can be tough to peel off without damaging things, my first attempt landed me with a destroyed sticker, be careful removing them from the film because i started with my finger and its very easy to accidentally rip the gems off the backing. I used a sewing pin to get under it and lift it up enough to grab it and it peels off easily after that, so definitelygive that a try so you dont learn the hard way like i did. Also it stayed on my face shockingly well for a good 10 hours. sweat made it a bit wiggly when it got really wet but even when it got soaked down I was able to just press or tap it back onto my face while drying my face with a fan and it sticks again 98% as well as a fresh one does once it's dryer, I was worried about sweating these off but I hardly had to check on or adjust them much once the sun set and things cooled off. The backing does a good job and you can't really see it behind the gems unless you're really tying to see it. I definitely don't regret buying these one bit and would recommend for others!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2026
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Brandi L.
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
Gorgeous!!
Pattern Name: Noble(12 Sets)
These face jewels are the perfect addition to our Mardi Gras costumes every year! We choose color based on our theme for the year. They are easy to use, just peel and stick! You can mix and match or use as is! So many great options and they last for 12+ hours! We usually apply over makeup and no matter the weather (cold, hot, rain or wind) these jewels stick for hours! Price point it amazing!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2026
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janine thompson
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Cute
Love face gems
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