19th Century Empire Dress in Printed or Striped Cotton Leggings This reproduction hammer is nearly

This reproduction hammer is nearly identical in appearance and dimensions to an 18th-Century English artifact we have in our collection (see inset)

and the well-to-do also continued to wear them to formal events

The gathered drawstring waist and knees give room to grow

With pewter buttons and working pockets

19th Century Empire Dress in Printed or Striped Cotton Leggings This reproduction hammer is nearlyClothing styles took a dramatic twist at the turn of the 19th century. The Empire dress was a prime example of this French fashion invasion, based on that societys fascination with the ancient cultures of Greece. As the Empire style made its first foray into British societies, fabrics were very wispy and somewhat transparent, revealing the female form that had previously been revered with utmost modesty. Prudish reactions were strong. As a result,