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why this scene irks me: 
bridgerton is set in 1813 (i think), so firmly in the regency period.
around the turn of the 19th century, western europe got real into greek/roman stuff again and relatively unstructured dresses became fashionable
around the turn of the 19th century, western europe got real into greek/roman stuff again and relatively unstructured dresses became fashionable
prior to this period, dresses had narrow waists and (often absurdly) large skirts supported by layers of structured petticoats and panniers.
(below example c. 1750-1780)
(below example c. 1750-1780)
the weight of these heavy structural pieces was supported by stiffened garments known as stays, the precursors to corsets.
they were conical in shape and accentuated the fashionable silhouette, a small waist above very wide skirts
they were conical in shape and accentuated the fashionable silhouette, a small waist above very wide skirts
expertly drawn example:
if bridgerton is to be believed, these ladies had absolutely SNATCHED waists hidden under these gowns.
except no, because why would you ever bother wearing what is basically stiff shapewear underneath baggy clothes. no one would do that.
well it TURNS OUT
so not only did corsets not even exist per se in 1813, they would certainly not be this long and there is ZERO reason to be lacing it super tightly anyway!!!
observe:
observe:
appendix: corsets for everyone
