SKU: 19993052002
empire cut dress

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

Sale price$25.47 Regular price$28.30
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Size: 4

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Description

empire cut 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: 19993052002

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MD Ochoa
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Slim but comfortable sizing looks upscale, wrinkle free from the dryer
Size: Medium, Color: Denim Blue
This is a very nice upscale looking shirt. It has great styling that is not over-sized. My husband normally wears a medium or large depending on the cut/style. He got a medium in this size and it is a perfect, comfortable fit. It arrived with some creases in the material from being folded in the packaging but it came out beautifully from the dryer. I'm happy he has a casual but nice shirt to wear when he takes me out to dinner!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2026
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S&J
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
Nice and comfy, light duty and feel great.
Size: X-Large, Color: Light Green
What they may lack in "durability" i.e. very light and thin = not going to last all that long, they make up for in fit [yes even for wide shoulders], comfort and style. If you want them to last, suggest a gentle cycle and just take ot easy on them. They are light, thin, and airy. Nice summer shirt.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2026
K
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Keena's Kitchen Personal Chef Service
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 4
A true vacation find!
Size: Medium, Color: Light Green
Really nice choice. Got it for my husband and he really liked the style. I loved how it fit on him and the lightness of the fabric. Great for hot, sunny weathered days, or warm nights. A true vacation find. Both comfy and stylish. He would have preferred it be 100% cotton, but I think he didn't really mind after steaming it. He commented on the color too. A beautiful sage green!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2026
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Christie McCarthy
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Well made, comfortable and flattering
Size: 3X-Large, Color: Light Green
Nice material. I ordered the 3XL because my hubby has a big belly. It fit him well and was slimming. He wore it as a guest to an outdoor wedding. He looked nice and was comfortable all night.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2026
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SMG
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Nice but short
Size: X-Large, Color: Lavender
Yes, I purchased this shirt for my husband to wear on Mother’s Day. He looked so handsome and the color complimented his skin tone beautifully. The only con that my husband expressed was that the shirt was short but was comfortable and the fabric felt good on his skin. He is 6’3” and usually wears an XLT. Coofandy, Please make these shirts for taller, longer torso men!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2026

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