SKU: 72140121227
cotton empire waist dress

cotton empire waist dress 19th Century Empire Dress in Printed or Striped Cotton – Townsends

Sale price$26.35 Regular price$29.28
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Size: 4

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Description

cotton empire waist dress 19th Century Empire Dress in Printed or Striped Cotton – TownsendsClothing 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,

Clothing 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 society’s 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, this very short-lived fashion period went through even shorter phases delineated by fabric choices and undergarments (or most often, the lack thereof).

This dress is based on examples from around 1810. Its squared, slightly gathered neckline and short gathered sleeves are true to the period. The high under-the-bust waist is classic Empire. Both the neckline and waist are tied in back. The bodice is closed in back with bone buttons.

Because undergarment styles were extremely diverse during the Empire period, we have settled the issue for this dress by fully lining the bodice. The skirt is lined to about 36" from the underbust, which emulates the knee-length chemises occasionally worn during the period. The subtle back train gives the skirt a graceful, sweeping hemline.

Please visit our fabric swatch page to choose a pattern, then enter your choice in the field above. Prints for this style of dress were typically small and light. When ordering, give measurements for bust, beneath-bust, bicep, and length from under-bust to floor hem - please put these measurements in the comment field of your online order.


This Item made to order.
Please allow 4-8 weeks for garment to be made. Made in USA

Item # FD-189

 

Fabric Swatch Page:

https://townsendfabrics.com/category/canvas/

 

Measurement Guide:

http://measuringadvice.com/

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SKU: 72140121227

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4.3 ★★★★★
Based on 29 reviews
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C
Verified Purchase
Carla
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Very stylish
Size: X-Large, Color: Black
Really nice… my husband received a lot of compliments on our cruise!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2026
R
Verified Purchase
Ronald Boast
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 3
Nice blazer
Size: X-Large, Color: Black, Size: X-Large, Color: Black
Product was as described, son wanted it for a dance. Had it taken in a little for more custom fit
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2025
V
Verified Purchase
VGood
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
Really stylish
Size: Medium, Color: Black
Looks great. My son wore to a concert for Valentines day. His gf wore a copper dress...looked so good together.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2026
C
Verified Purchase
CRUZAN1
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 1
Sizing issues
Size: 3X-Large, Color: Blue-square Plaid
Sent it back. Runs super small
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Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2025
J
Verified Purchase
Johan Metz
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
6' 1" 225 lbs (formerly;-) athletic build
Size: XX-Large, Color: Burgundy, Size: XX-Large, Color: Burgundy
So I’m amending my review because I’ve now bought the black (as well as the red) suit. The suit I got this time has a paper XXL large label; I want to remember the red suit having the same but now I honestly cannot remember. It came just in time for Halloween and fit almost perfectly so I feel I didn’t pay enough attention to detail. And now I don’t know what’s what? My red pants (first purchase) measure about a 36” waist; my black pants (second purchase) measure about a 42” waist. The bust on my red suit measures about 46” and the bust on my black suit measures about 48”. Having said all that, here is my original review, which I believe is about a XL (not an XXL—which I believe would probably fit a 6’4” 260lb person); I’m not changing my words, just know from here forward XXL most likely refers to an XL (I’ll update my review when I get my next suit): I bought a XXL and it fits almost perfectly. I have a 46” bust and 36” waist and normally wear a tailored 42R and 36” waist x 30” inseam pants (so I normally can’t buy a suit off the rack where the pants aren’t a parachute). The jacket could be taken in maybe a half an inch but this is for a costume; as I mentioned: I wear a 46L and be sleeves could similarly be let out a smidgen as well; the pants couldn’t have fit much better considering the mixed reviews and EXTREMELY VAGUE sizing chart—the waist could be taken in half an inch. The material is a bit thin as others mentioned but on the whole it was a great purchase and I won’t have to do anything to utilize it for my costume.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2020

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