Dress Historian explains the difference between Bodies and Stays | 16th and 17th-Century ‘Corsetry’

Summary

In this video, the creator delves into the rich material culture and fashion of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, focusing on early modern period attire. They introduce viewers to the fascinating world of historical dress, from fabric and construction techniques to the cultural significance behind clothing choices. With plans to upload more videos on these topics, the creator invites viewers to explore the intricate connections between fashion, identity, and history. A must-watch for anyone interested in historical fashion and cultural studies.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker introduces themselves as a specialist in early modern fashion and material culture from the 16th to 18th centuries.
• 😀 The content focuses on dress fashion, material culture, and historical clothing from early modern countries.
• 😀 The speaker will explore these subjects in detail, particularly within the context of the early modern period (16th, 17th, and 18th centuries).
• 😀 The channel aims to provide insightful content for those interested in historical fashion and the cultural impact of clothing.
• 😀 The speaker encourages viewers to engage by liking and subscribing to the channel for future content.
• 😀 More videos are promised in the coming months, showcasing a wide range of topics on dress fashion and material culture.
• 😀 The early modern period is emphasized as the central focus for the channel's content, relating to historical periods of Europe and other countries.
• 😀 The speaker aims to provide a detailed and educational exploration of fashion from this era, focusing on its materials, styles, and historical significance.
• 😀 Viewers are urged to subscribe for updates on upcoming videos exploring various facets of fashion history.
• 😀 The speaker closes by thanking viewers for their interest and inviting them to watch more videos in the future.

Q & A

What is the difference between bodies and stays in the 16th and 17th centuries?

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the term 'bodies' referred to garments that shaped and supported the torso, often made with whalebone or other stiffening materials. 'Stays' did not become a common term until the late 17th century and typically referred to the stiffening materials used in garments, rather than the garments themselves.

How did bodies function as power dressing in the 16th century?

Bodies were an essential part of court fashion and were associated with grace, good posture, and authority. They were used to create a slender, upright figure that conveyed power and social rank, much like armor used by men in the same period.

Why were bodies considered important for both men and women during the 16th century?

In the 16th century, both men and women were expected to wear garments that promoted good posture. This was linked to ideas of grace, power, and moral character, with a straightened body being associated with social standing and refinement.

What materials were used in the construction of bodies in the 16th and 17th centuries?

Early bodies were stiffened using materials such as pasteboard, canvas, animal glues, and later whalebone. These materials helped create the rigid, conical shape that defined the fashionable silhouette of the period.

What is the significance of the term 'French bodies' in the context of 16th-century fashion?

'French bodies' referred to garments made with whalebone to stiffen them, a style that was introduced to England from France. The term 'French' indicates the influence of French fashion in this period.

How did the use of bodies evolve in the 17th century?

By the mid-17th century, bodies began to be worn more flexibly. They were sometimes incorporated into the petticoat, or worn as standalone undergarments. They also became more accessible to women of various social classes.

What does the term 'stays' refer to in the late 17th century, and how does it differ from 'bodies'?

The term 'stays' began to be used in the 1680s to refer to a garment that was similar to bodies but often had back lacing, compared to the front-lacing bodies. 'Stays' also became the common term for these garments by the early 18th century, marking a shift in terminology and fashion.

How did the role of women in the lower classes influence the use of bodies in fashion?

In the lower classes, bodies were worn both as foundation garments and as outerwear. Evidence from Dutch and French paintings, as well as references in English diaries, shows that lower-class women used bodies as a functional part of their daily attire, not just as an undergarment.

What was the significance of Queen Elizabeth I's effigy in understanding the use of bodies in the 16th century?

The effigy of Queen Elizabeth I provided a detailed example of the straight bodies used in the 1600s. These garments were made specifically for the effigy and likely reflected the type of body-wear that the Queen and other elite women wore at the time.

Why is it important to use the historical term 'bodies' rather than 'stays' when discussing 16th and 17th-century fashion?

Using the term 'bodies' instead of 'stays' is important to avoid anachronism. The term 'stays' did not come into common use until the late 17th century, and using 'bodies' ensures the correct historical context is preserved when discussing garments from earlier periods.