Baroque Bourgeois Maid Costume

Women's Baroque Bourgeois Maid Costume From Cotton Duvetyne

Layered Clothing of European Women in the 17th Century

The historical basis for this complex garment dates back to the 17th and early 18th centuries, during the Baroque period. Whilst the nobility at court draped themselves in heavy silks and wore rigid whalebone corsets, townswomen, maids, and market vendors opted for layered yet highly practical clothing that adapted to their figures and did not hinder their demanding daily work. The foundation was always a shirt, which formed the bottom hygienic layer, and a long layered skirt protecting the legs from the cold. The top layer was a bodice or a jacket that provided back support and shaped the torso.

This beautiful period ensemble consists of three precisely crafted pieces. The base comprises a white cotton shirt with half-length sleeves, decorated at the neck with a distinctive folded collar featuring delicate lace trim. Over the shirt, a dark green sleeveless bodice (corset) is worn. The bodice is equipped with practical front lacing, and its bottom hem is divided by elegant slits, which allow for a perfect fit over the hips. The ensemble is completed by a light, floor-length skirt adorned with a subtle vertical stripe. Both the skirt and shirt are highly breathable, while the bodice is made from high-quality cotton duvetyne, which visually mimics expensive velvet whilst maintaining excellent durability and flexibility.

This Baroque Bourgeois Maid costume is custom-made in other colours upon request according to these fabric swatches. Please note your desired colour in your order in the comment field. Always provide (1) the swatch number, (2) the colour letter, and (3) the colour name (e.g. 03-A-yellow). If you choose a fabric with a different composition, the price may change. Any potential price change will, of course, be discussed with you before processing the order.

This Baroque Bourgeois Maid costume is available in standard sizes according to this size chart. The costume is custom-tailored to your exact measurements at no extra charge. In that case, after completing your order, fill out this measurement chart.

Technical Specifications of the Costume

Care of Historical Clothing and Safety

To ensure this beautiful costume serves you for a long time and retains its colours and shape, proper maintenance is required. We recommend washing all parts of the garment very gently in a washing machine on a delicate cycle at a maximum temperature of 30 °C (86 °F). Strictly avoid aggressive bleaches. Never dry the costume in a tumble dryer to prevent the cotton fibres from shrinking. Air-dry the garment laid flat. Ironing is possible on a medium heat setting; however, the duvetyne bodice should exclusively be ironed on the reverse side so as not to damage its velvety surface. Please note that cotton is a highly flammable natural material, so protect the clothing from open flames, for example when cooking at a period hearth or near a campfire. You can find further instructions in our cleaning and maintenance instructions.

Recommended Accessories

To achieve an absolutely authentic and complete look of a Baroque woman of the people, we highly recommend complementing the costume with low period leather shoes or lace-up half-boots corresponding to 17th-century fashion. A period linen coif, a practical linen apron, and a wicker basket are also perfectly suited to the role of a hard-working market vendor or maid. Please be advised that the footwear or any small accessories worn by the model in the photograph are not included in the delivery.