Victorian Dress from the American Civil War Era 1865

Victorian Day Dress from the American Civil War Era 1865

Historical Context and Usage of the Dress

This ladies' garment faithfully reflects the fashion of the 1860s, specifically around the year 1865. From a historical perspective, this is a so-called day dress, which was the absolute standard for middle- and upper-class women during the mid-Victorian era and the American Civil War. The dress is characterised by a separate jacket (bodice) with long sleeves and a prominent, richly gathered skirt. The jacket is buttoned at the front and features an elegant peplum ruffle at the back. Historically, this attire was worn by wealthy townswomen, plantation owners, and the wives of US Cavalry officers during routine daily errands or afternoon visits. The costume is absolutely ideal for reenactment, historical dancing, theatrical performances, or themed Western events.

Material Care and Maintenance

The garment is manufactured from a combination of high-quality one hundred per cent cotton and durable polyester, which guarantees both pleasant breathability and good shape retention with crease resistance. The decorative elements are made of cotton lace. To ensure your dress serves you as long as possible and retains its rich colours, we recommend washing it very gently by hand or in a washing machine on a delicate cycle at a maximum temperature of 30 °C (86 °F). Never tumble dry the dress; it is best to let it air dry freely hanging on a coat hanger. Ironing should be done on a medium setting, and you must always avoid ironing the delicate lace appliqués directly to prevent them from scorching or melting.

Cleaning and care of costumes

Recommended Accessories and Notices

To achieve an absolutely perfect and historically accurate bell-shaped silhouette, we strongly recommend wearing a historical crinoline (hoop skirt) from the 1860s under the skirt, or at the very least, a very richly gathered cotton petticoat. The resulting look is excellently complemented by leather lace-up ankle boots, cotton or lace gloves, and a period parasol. Please note that the earrings shown in the photographs are not included in the delivery.

Sizes, Colours, and Custom Tailoring

This historical women's dress is available in standard ready-to-wear sizes according to our size charts. However, we will gladly tailor it exactly to your measurements at no extra charge, ensuring a perfect fit. In this case, please carefully fill out our measurement chart after completing your order. Furthermore, upon your request, the dress can be sewn in other colour variants according to our fabric swatch books. Simply note your desired colour in the comment field of your order (include the swatch book number, the letter of the colour, and its name, e.g. 03-A-yellow). If you choose a fabric with a different composition, the price may be adjusted, which we will, of course, consult with you before processing the order.

Technical Parameters of the Costume