SKU: 31802920008
empire waist dress cotton

empire waist dress cotton 19th Century Empire Dress in Printed or Striped Cotton – Townsends

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Description

empire waist dress cotton 19th Century Empire Dress in Printed or Striped Cotton – TownsendsClothing styles took a dramatic twist at the turn of the 19th century. The Empire dress was a prime example of this French fashion invasion, based on that societys fascination with the ancient cultures of Greece. As the Empire style made its first foray into British societies, fabrics were very wispy and somewhat transparent, revealing the female form that had previously been revered with utmost modesty. Prudish reactions were strong. As a result,

Clothing styles took a dramatic twist at the turn of the 19th century. The Empire dress was a prime example of this French fashion invasion, based on that society’s fascination with the ancient cultures of Greece. As the Empire style made its first foray into British societies, fabrics were very wispy and somewhat transparent, revealing the female form that had previously been revered with utmost modesty. Prudish reactions were strong. As a result, this very short-lived fashion period went through even shorter phases delineated by fabric choices and undergarments (or most often, the lack thereof).

This dress is based on examples from around 1810. Its squared, slightly gathered neckline and short gathered sleeves are true to the period. The high under-the-bust waist is classic Empire. Both the neckline and waist are tied in back. The bodice is closed in back with bone buttons.

Because undergarment styles were extremely diverse during the Empire period, we have settled the issue for this dress by fully lining the bodice. The skirt is lined to about 36" from the underbust, which emulates the knee-length chemises occasionally worn during the period. The subtle back train gives the skirt a graceful, sweeping hemline.

Please visit our fabric swatch page to choose a pattern, then enter your choice in the field above. Prints for this style of dress were typically small and light. When ordering, give measurements for bust, beneath-bust, bicep, and length from under-bust to floor hem - please put these measurements in the comment field of your online order.


This Item made to order.
Please allow 4-8 weeks for garment to be made. Made in USA

Item # FD-189

 

Fabric Swatch Page:

https://townsendfabrics.com/category/canvas/

 

Measurement Guide:

http://measuringadvice.com/

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SKU: 31802920008

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Eliot
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
👍🏻
Color: Black, Army Green, Light Gray, Size: 5X-Large
Weirdly thick material, I wasn’t a fan but it’s a good sleep shirt
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Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2026
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Dr. DeeJaye
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Just what I wanted.
Color: Black, Navy Blue, Wine Red, Size: 5X-Large
These may have just become my standard shirt to wear. Feels good whether tucked or out. Drapes well and fits well. So far, I can see it adjust to the different undershirt I may wear. Will probably order another set in other colors and a back up set of the basics because they will get worn a lot.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2025
C
Chloe
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 3
Its alright
Color: Black, Size: 5X-Large
True to size per the size chart. The fabric is soft but it it feels cheap to me. It attracts lint but you can brush it off easily so its not the cheapest material I've dealt with. Also, it is opaque (not see through). There is no front/ back indicator either which is indicative of a cheap shirt in my opinion. Would be friendly for tag sensitive people (to stay positive).
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Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
Fit and colors are perfect
Color: Black, White, Apricot, Size: Large
They fit very well, I got them for my husband and he was very excited for the style & fit i am actually going to buy him another pack
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Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2025
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Verified Purchase
ChilledOut
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 1
Fuzzballs get wearing once
Color: Black, Size: X-Large
Very smart to wear, but the quality is terrible so after one wash the collar start fraying and fuzzballs start forming. Very disappointing.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2026

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