Bodice

A glistening yellow silk taffeta enhances this undecorated bodice of the 1740s. It is constructed from eight pieces of silk and has a boned centre back opening with a fly concealing the lacing. The waistline is tabbed and has a silk cord stitched along the edges of the tabs. The elbow-length sleeves have winged cuffs, pleated and stitched at the front to keep their shape. This style of cuff was fashionable in the 1740s and card or paste board were sometimes used for stiffening. A bodice of this style was worn by young girls and children, and as informal dress by adult women.