SKU: 46990124417
womens empire waist dress

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

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Description

womens empire waist dress 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: 46990124417

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4.3 ★★★★★
Based on 15 reviews
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Elisha
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
Worth it
Size: Large, Color: Blue
Soft material, good fit. A little big but im in between a medium and large so I went large. I like the square neck. Pretty color and good material
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Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2026
M
Verified Purchase
Melissa Plagge
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 3
arm holes too large, shirt too long, size down
Size: Small, Color: Wine
I am 110 pounds and 5’2”. I ordered a small. The fabric feels awesome. The neck area and straps are perfect. However, the arm holes are quite large. The bottom of the arm hole isn’t straight down, flush with the shirt. It angels outward. If you lift your arms up it looks odd. I should have ordered an extra small. But even if I do that, I still think the arm hole will look odd. I will likely return this or wear it at night or at the gym with yoga pants. The shirt is a tad bit long. If you wear short shorts, the shirt would cover your shorts.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2026
B
Verified Purchase
Bobbi J.
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
WELL CONSTRUCTED. GOOD STITCHING ON NECKLINE AND SLEEVES. GOOD FOR TALL PERSON.
Size: X-Large, Color: Orange
The Automet women's loose-fit tank top is sized just right for me. I'm 5'11', 200 lbs., 57 years old. I've got some back fat that would be obvious in a tight top. This tank is loose enough to hide my back fat but not too loose. From the front, it does not appear loose at all. It's the back area that has extra room. It has a nice, scooped hem. One special feature is the double stitching on the neck and shoulders. It is well-made. It looks more expensive than it is. I bought the Automet tank top in the color orange. It is NOT see-through, nor is it thick. I live in Arizona, in the desert part, where it gets hot. This tank is thin enough to keep me comfortable from May to October when the heat hits. It's hard for me to find the "perfect" tank. I've tried so many. I feel you would be wise to give this tank a try. Worst case, you return it. I love the orange one so much, I plan to purchase all the colors for this hot summer coming up. I wish all of you the same happiness I have found with the Automet tank top.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
Ann Fullwood
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
Good top!!
Size: X-Large, Color: White
True to size! Feels good and is comfortable. Recommended to others!!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2026
D
Verified Purchase
DPS
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Comfortable and convenient
Size: 34, Color: Kangaroo
Got these to replace some old cargo shorts that aren't made anymore and are developing holes. So far I have been very pleased. The waist fits true to size and the fit is relaxed through the seat and thigh, which is exactly what I was looking for since I have somewhat stout thighs relative to my waist. I'm 6'0", about 200lbs, with a 34-35" waist. The material feels sturdy without being overly heavy, about as thick as old ripstop BDUs. Front slash pockets are generously deep; no problem carrying a 5.5" smartphone in there. Rear pockets are sufficiently deep and are narrow enough that a trifold wallet won't turn itself sideways. Cargo pockets are adequately sized and have hook and loop closures at the corners. The "tech" pocket behind the left cargo pocket is very convenient for me, as I'm used to carrying my phone on that side. I can slide my Samsung Galaxy S25 in there and it fits well without worrying about it falling out. I wore these for a couple of days at Disney World last week and they performed very well. Moving my phone to that tech pocket made rides with lap bars or belts much more comfortable. I even washed these shorts at the resort so I could wear them on the long drive home. If I could change anything about them, I'd add about an inch of length, as I prefer a full 11" inseam on cargo shorts. And maybe add a button or some kind of closure to the rear pockets. But aside from that, these have been pretty close to perfect. I expect I'll order more as I replace more of my older cargo shorts.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2026

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