Thank you so much everyone for watching! I've been dilligently sewing the Swiss waist for the Berry Dress and it will be released next Thursday. Can't wait 😊
"London: The Biography" by Peter Ackroyd includes descriptions of the smell of London in different times especially the Victorian era. Basically disgusting. Horse poop, coal soot, etc.
I can honestly say that toileting is much easier in historical clothing especially in a humid climate as anyone would know on a hot humid day when struggling to .😮pull your knickers and pants back up after using the toilet
I used to wear historical clothing a lot. Unfortunately, there came a time when my boys did not want to be seen with me, so I had to tone it down a bit, by wearing shorter skirts, etc. Then I got sick and was put on prednisone and gained a lot of weight. I had to change my style for a while to off the rack pants and tunics as I was not up to sewing a new wardrobe to fit my new size. A year ago in October, my right leg had to be amputated because the bone was got infected from knee surgery. When I get my artificial leg I have been told the device will over time eat up the knee part of the material of the pants if I choose to wear pants. I will be going back to wearing my 1900-1910 dress and skirt styles again. I just have to start to make a whole new wardrobe because of the weight gain. I will have to wait until I am more mobile again. I am so looking forward to sewing new things to wear. Please keep up your inspiring videos. I enjoy not only the information you have but knowing there are people out there who are like me who like to wear historical clothing.
I'm so sorry about all the hardships you've been through Becky, but your attitude about it all is incredibly admirable. It's really wonderful to hear you're going to go back to wearing the skirts you love! Happy sewing and thank you for your very kind and moving comment 😊
Wow, I hope you get well soon! Sewing a new wardrobe is going to take a while but I bet it is going to be really rewarding, your resiliance is admirable too!
I'm sorry that you went through those challenges. You are so worth the time it takes to sew clothes that you love and are comfortable wearing. I hope these new garments will give you emotional healing. ❤️
I recently (9 months ago) fell off a cliff while hiking and severely fractured my spine. It’s been very difficult & am still in a lot of pain and rehab. I re-discovered the joy and meditative calming of hand sewing and the pride of finishing a beautiful wearable garment that I know is going to hold up for a long time and I feel pretty in historical clothing. I can walk again but am only able to be “up & about” for about a hour or so a day. Hand sewing, knitting & crochet can be done in bed. It’s about the only thing that keeps me from going bonkers. I’m also getting through a ton of UFO’s in my sewing room.
*IT GENUINELY CAME AS A SHOCK* to me to learn that people in the past didn't like being cold, wet or uncomfortable and had worked out how to be warm, dry and comfortable. And the opposite of "warm, dry and comfortable" is Jeans, modern jeans are the most uncomfortable, damp, cold garment humanity has ever been conned into wearing.
People of all time periods were more like us than sometimes society thinks! I've never liked jeans myself either, even when I wore modern clothes, but do know some individuals that love them so perhaps they are comfortable for some individuals
A friend once looked at me while we were sitting outside a pub in winter and asked "aren't you cold?" I was in my walking skirt - I don't think he expected the lecture he got - short answer 'No!' I was actually the warmest of all of us.
@@tamagothchic - I agree. I remember when I was a teenager a pair of Levi 501's used to be essentially indestructible. Being a teenager I would wear the same pair of jeans every day for everything for like 3 or 4 years before finally riping them beyond repair and buying a new pair. The last pair I bought lasted about 8 months and were only used occasionally. That was why I stopped with jeans.
I have found that long wool skirts are the most comfortable thing one can wear in the winter. You carry your own warmth around underneath and they are at least ten times warmer than a pair of jeans. Besides, you can add an unlimited number of petticoats, underpants, leggings, legwarmers and tights underneath! And one of the things that may make old clothes (especially corsets) uncomfortable is that our way of sitting and lounging has changed. The modern couches and sofas are not very comfy if you can’t slouch. However, uncomfortable-looking Victorian furniture may be just fine!
all very good points Katja! Thanks for your comment. I own a lot of antique furniture and I find it is actually quite comfortable to sit and lounge on in a corset, but perhaps they are two of a perfect pair 😊
Some years ago there was a fashion programme on television here and one week the presenters went to Limerick and asked some of the girls on the streets whether they liked their long skirts (and I mean maxi) or would they prefer shorter ones. They unanimously preferred the maxi skirt, and for much the same reasons. Much warmer in winter but also they hide your PJs (overslept), the items you are intending to wear after school (leggings, mini skirt and tights etc) and don't want your mum to know about and several other reasons were given along those lines. Even teens realise what is and isn't comfortable and practical.
*IM ENGLISH LIVING IN BULGARIA* I dress in 1900 to 1930 clothing every day and I think most people just assume this is how ALL English people dress... I hear people say "Oh look at him" and their friends will say "Yes - he's English" as if that's the explanation LOL
I jokingly call my 'aesthetic' Victorian trailer trash' or 'Victorian circus performer', and I'm often wearing historical pieces in public. I love your point about how people who dress in historical fashion aren't doing it for attention! It's nerve-wracking to go in public when you aren't dressed in a common way, but I often get very positive responses (and people are genuinely curious). Thanks for the great content, and I'm really looking forward to that Swiss waist!
I said on Morgan's channel, that you have to be cautious when wearing costumes or historical dress or weird clothes in public. I've been forced off a bus when wearing a cape, and harassed, even attacked. That's the hardest part about dressing how you want to. I backed off on it for years because I had a child and did not want the bad attention. But I'm also an artist and I love soft sculpture, and find fabrics to be in and of themselves beautiful. I put fabric on the walls of my house, which some have said looks like a bordello! Oh well, if you want to do what you want, you have to put up with not being obedient to fashion. And yes, I have a utterly impossible job that is extremely stressful, so wearing fun clothes makes me look forward to going to work. And, having you all to watch also makes me look forward to going to work. I can fight the IRS when I have V. Birchwood as a reward! :D
It's terribly tragic that that's sometimes the case! I have found that I've never been kicked out of anywhere, attacked, etc. thankfully, but I also don't spend all that much time around people and am self employed lol. It's very understandable though that you didn't want that type of attention once you had a child, as you have to look out for them too. I love your ode to fabric by draping it to the walls of your house, I'm sure it looks lovely! The end part really made me laugh 😂 Thanks so much for your comment!
Hello. I'm a year late but moving fast. Mature Adult Male here. I am so sorry to hear about your experience. It seems to me it has a lot to do with context. That is, in the town I live in now, I don't even dress in my good dress clothing. It just would not work in a town of miners, loggers, mill-workers and fishers - too redneck, too white trash. I dress more like a tough guy here - some kind of upgraded, clean construction superintendent or something. The city I came from, however, is a cosmopolitan, international city of high per capita education and head offices. I'm sure women in classic, historical or vintage would not be harassed or harmed because of their clothing. I dressed well there and I am moving back and can't wait to get into my silk shirts, cashmere jackets, felt fedoras, Portuguese shoes, leather belts and ... dancing (ballroom, American Style). Maybe I will meet a classy woman to dance with. Any woman dressed in vintage or historical would have nothing but support and admiration from me - I think it is wonderful. Best wishes to you, do stay safe and I hope you manage to find a way to express your fashion interests in a pleasurable and comfortable way. Cheers!
I don't wear necessarily historically accurate to the Victorian era clothing, but I do like to dress like I'm Dracula's bride, and even if I stick out like a sore thumb in my blood red corset and gigantic lace bell sleeves, I love how I feel, the elegance, the drama, the poise! The *CONFIDENCE* I get from it makes the stares worth it.
So interesting to hear your responses. I dress in a colourful, individual style, rather than in historic outfits, but so many people comment on my clothes. Here in Zagreb it's quite acceptable to tell a stranger what you think, & often I'm the only person not wearing black, navy, or grey, which always attracts comments. It makes me self-conscious, especially because I'm a short, fat person, so in winter clothes I look like a rainbow-coloured ball! But I won't stop wearing the bright colours & harajuku style in which I feel comfortable.🌈💕❤
Thanks so much Fi! I've very proud of you for continuing to wear what you love to regardless of what people say or think. The most important thing is that you're comfortable and your clothes bring you joy so well done on following your heart 😊
I love the extent to which different clothing subcultures relate to one another. I never would have been inspired to go all out in my fashion choices if it were not for following Roma-Gyaru styles and listening to the Lolita and Decora communities on TH-cam. Even though my current style looks nothing like any of those things, I think the bravery of Harajuku fashion adopters was what inspired me to express myself more fully and deliberately.
I find #8 to be pretty funny. Of course you can move in the clothes! Honestly, they had to move even more than we do today on average. Also, have you tried moving in some modern clothes? It's nearly impossible to keep shirts tucked in to anything when reaching up just because of where the waist sits in most lower garments... And the length of most shirts doesn't help either.
Yeah #8 is super funny definitely! I guess it's just because movement and comfort is different in historical clothes, rather than being lessened, so perhaps for those who aren't familiar with historical dress or haven't worn it ever themselves, it would appear from the outside to be more difficult to move in haha.
I stopped wearing pants years ago for this reason. I just can move in then. I tell people all the time I wear long skirts because I feel like pants constrict my movements. That doesn't mean long skirts are with out their own challenges, but way fewer than pants. At least that is my experience.
These are all true of medieval and Tudor clothing as well. I remember making a corset for a woman who wore it for a week who told me she was never going back to a bra again. Another story, I was at a Faire and came out of a portapotty and shook out my farthengale, shocking a woman nearby who assumed I’d used the handicap stall due to the farthengale. Nope, I have bad knees and needed the supports to get up and down. A farthengale folds up quite easily to allow me to use the bathroom! LOL! Good post!
Thanks so much Kat! Wow that's quite an interesting story about the farthengale haha. I think too it's presumptive of that individual to assume disabilities are always visible, because some individuals have hidden disabilities perhaps and shouldn't have to justify using the accessible stalls anyways.
Prior Attire does a fabulous video on using public facilities/the loo when wearing a crinoline and similar styles. Well worth watching for anyone not so believing. At the end she gets into a small modern car - Nissan Micra type size - behind the steering wheel, still wearing a crinoline and Victorian dress.
@@MayYourGodGoWithYou I used to go to and from TnRF in my garb driving a Toyota Sienna van. No problem at all! Didn’t matter what I was wearing. For that matter I’ve done the same driving to events which means I’ve worn everything from 10C to full Elizabethan nobles. And some later periods as well. Farthengales and crinolines just shake out. Corsets made to fit in natural fibers are way more comfortable than modern bras. And I just don’t buy anything but natural and natural blends except for polarfleece and that’s because I’m allergic to wool. Even when I wash it I react to it. ::sigh::
@@MayYourGodGoWithYou I remember that video. It reminds me of the time myself and three fighters packed all our gear (including tents) and drove from Nashville to Memphis for an event and I got pulled over in the middle of rush hour on the interstate. First ticket. I’m wearing a cloak. And the cop calls me back to his car. And it’s not until I’m sitting in his vehicle that I remember I’m still wearing my dagger. Didn’t say a word. I was 26. Full on 12C garb. Terrified. Got to the event and a friend said “oh didn’t I tell you about the speed trap?” I was just trying to keep up with traffic in the *right* hand lane!
@@katwitanruna A friend here would regularly drive over on the ferry to Britain to attend events and he would always put his swords, a lance and longbow with arrows right on top so the cops could see them if he was pulled over. I think he was once, and that was because the cops were interested in why he was driving in garb with swords but there weren''t any problems. Even crossing on the ferry there were never any questions asked, which I did find amazing.
I love this! Since I am still in much earlier part of converting my wardrobe to more historical style, my style tends to get read as "huh, she really likes long skirts" instead of, well, historical. It's somewhat reassuring to hear how you handle the unwanted commentary, as I assume it will increase in my day to day life once bigger portion of my wardrobe is clearly historical instead of just... idk what people would call it, quirky? I already get misread to be more old fashioned the way I dress now, and it has been a journey to learn how to make it clear that my values are in fact very, very modern haha. Also, even tho my only corset is modern, I can already say corset feel like a hug. Why would you not like a gentle, supportive hug? It makes me feel great, and I am excited to get a more historical corset at... some point.
Thanks!! You'll definitely have people misreading you still most likely, but ultimately I think their disdain for wanting to speak with someone they deem more "modest" is perhaps also a belief for them to challenge, because people aren't always what they appear on the surface, and sometimes it takes getting to know someone to really understand who they are and build relationship with them. I'm sure you'll meet many lovely people too who love what you wear, so it's likely to balance itself out a bit 😊 People always judge anyways, it's just when one dresses more "outlandish" people sometimes feel justified to judge outwardly rather than keeping it to themselves. The judgement is there regardless though. And that's okay! It's pretty human to judge for better or for worse. Yes definitely it's so much like a hug!
@@VBirchwood That is a wise way to look at it! Generally when people make me feel a little self concious of what I wear I remind myself of the fact that people will always look at you no matter what you wear, so I might as well get stared at in clothes that I love instead of clothes that make me uncomfortable. Yes, the most supportive hug! Also great for posture, so I am super excited to get more :) Also, a little of topic, but I absolutely love your collar and brooch combo on this video. Very pretty!
I'm slowly going more and more historical(ish) in my wardrobe. My coworkers just accepted it, because I'm "the weird one" and always been. My boss said "oh, you have such a creative personality, of course you have to express yourself". I guess being Phoebe Buffay of the group pays off🤣
Great points! I truly find it so funny that people think everything historical must be uncomfortable or not practical because "people back then were dumb" -.- And one reason for that is (in my opinion) that many people only look at all those high fashion pictures and dresses of upper class persons... thats like saying modern clothing is soooo uncomfortable and not practical at all because people at the red carpet or models on catwalks... (Only because high heels with 15cm exists doesnt mean everyone wears them... and only because there were some women who tight laced for beauty standards it was definitely a minority...)
Yes that’s definitely a very good point! The highest echelon of society is never an accurate representation of the everyday person, even now as you say. Thanks for your comment 😊
I love how you explained that people were just people like us. Sometimes, we are so consumed by the fact that they are re history that we just FORGET that they were human beings, who liked the same things as we do, and in the end we all are having a Han experience here, across all eras. So instead of focusing on the differences between us and them, let's learn and enjoy what we can enjoy from them 😉. Another misconception people have is that : stout or large women didn't exist in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, and I'm here to say that they DEFINITELY EXISTED. There are so many body shapes and, like they exist today they existed in the yesteryears ☺️
Thanks so much! And YES that is such a huge misconception absolutely. People of all sizes and shapes have always existed and weren't merely "smaller back then", but we can partially thank survivourship bias for that one hahaha.
People questioning the mobility of historical garments is so weird to me. Of course there were certain historical styles that would've made certain movements uncomfortable...but there are equivalents in modern fashion as well. For instance, you mentioned some 1830s styles being difficult to lift one's arms in, but the same could be said for a modern crop top. Skinny jeans limit leg mobility, and fitted, structured shoulders on a blouse or coat limit range of motion there. You either pick a style that removes those hindrances or you learn to move with your clothing. Also, this whole video was extremely well-done. You articulate your thoughts so eloquently and sensibly!
Yes that's extremely true, modern clothes have a number of their own mobility issues as well. I think too that because upper classes tended to have so many different outfits for different occasions, they would have spent many time periods in various garments, each having an array of comfort level. Morning and day gowns, for instance, or anything that might be for at-home and left just for guest reception, would have been far more comfortable than something like an evening gown, which theoretically would have only been worn for a few hours at a party, or perhaps for an evening dinner, and then they'd probably switch to bed clothes or lounging clothes again. And then, of course, with working class folks it probably would have been a lot of comfort and practicality. I think it just stems from what we see depicted in the mainstream in film. Also perhaps due to the upright posture produced by the corset. But good posture isn't meant to be uncomfortable, in fact, it's meant to make us more comfortable in the long run. Thanks so much for your compliments Otter! 😊 I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
I cover my hair at work, and my modern elasticated solution has been a bit abrasive on my hair. So I'm making a Tudor bonnet and frontlet! My coworkers are super into this project and have been very supportive. It's not the most historically accurate, since I have to adhere to the Company Colors, but I'm loving the ability to actually be myself, at work! I'm planning a walking skirt for winter, too - with a nice wool-quilted petticoat. And I can do that, now! The dress code used to be so much more restrictive, but they've been making a real effort to make it so that marginalized people don't have to "hide" at work. And it turns out, *most* people felt like they were hiding. But no more!
I think I would instantly die if I went back to Victorian London, my nose is super sensitive and all the smog and sewage would just smite me from this earth as soon as I stepped out the time machine 😂 Also the outfit you are wearing looks really comfortable!
Hahahaha that's too funny. While London probably didn't smell the best due to all the horses, at least there'd be the fresh countryside to escape to. But then again, it would take you days in a carriage potentially to get there, by which point the 24 hours would be up lol. Thanks Lilja! 😊
Even ignoring the practical benifits of a corset like support, I like wearing them, they feel like getting a permanent hug and wearing armor at the same time, so it is also an emotional support garment ^^
It's funny that you mention what things smelled like in Victorian times... In twenty or thirty years, when people ask me what life was like in England in the 1980s, the first thing I will tell them is that everything- and I do mean EVERYTHING- stank of cigarette smoke. The bars, the streets, the taxi-cabs, the airports, and most of all, the people themselves- they all reeked of it. It is the one of the few things about the post-2000s era that is unequivocally better than it used to be.
It’s hard to imagine a world honestly where everything smelled of cigarettes! Being in Russia as a kid I remember it kind of being like this too as people could smoke in smoking sections of restaurants at least (only separated by a velvet curtain usually lol), but still some places were off limits. As someone quite sensitive to the smell of cigarettes now, I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for those who couldn’t tolerate secondhand smoke. They must’ve felt like they had nowhere to go.
@@VBirchwood That is exactly correct. I was physically nauseated by second-hand smoke, and I never even considered entering a bar until I was in my early 20s and they finally reduced the amount of smoking to endurable levels in the US. It is one of the few things about today that is unequivocally better than in the past.
Izabela of Priorattire has a great video on using the privy in various historical garments. She also has a video where she gets in her car with a bustle and drives it around, just to show how it folds up. There are a lot of videos out there that show how easy it is too move. I think I mentioned before about Abby Cox having a video where she and her two of her friends stand out in the hot hot sun for a couple hours in full historical costume and not being hot. Seems like everyone has to do a video debunking common misconceptions about historical garments. I talked to someone on Facebook a while back who told me the only time her corsets were even the slightest bit uncomfortable was when they were brand new and needed to be worn to break them in so to speak. I don't blame you for wanting to be bale to travel back in time for 24 hours. There is a lot to be said for the senses of it. I used to fantasize as a kid what it would be like to travel back in time even if it was just locally to see what things looked like. Especially in my hometown. I would have loved to have seen what it looked like before the big fire destroyed all but two of the original buildings of the original town. It would be so amazing too be able to experience Independence Day before everything was modernized. Even over the years as it grew into the modern town it would be an experience to see how they locals celebrated and how big the annual parade was. What kind of fireworks were set off. The only real issue with a picture or a short video clip is its just a quick snap shot in time that only apples to one or two of the senses. Its completely different to be here and experience it in person. Anyways another great video. I can't wait to see the swiss waist for the berry dress come to life next week. I bet it will be beautiful. See you next week ❤️
Thanks so much DesertRose! It's great to see all the content out debunking misconceptions, especially from people who have more first hand experience with historical garments and therefore can provide their personal experiences. And I can definitely understand your desire to see your town and how it was back in history. It's quite enthralling to imagine a specific place and how it might have been. Even just how shops might have been set up, etc. I'm really excited to share the Berry Dress Swiss waist! I'll be done with it at long last tonight, so then it'll be endless editing of the footage 😃
@@VBirchwood you are way more ambitious than I am to make so many amazing things all by hand. Your really do have the patience of a saint. Like I said I would be banishing a big project like that to the UFO pile forever. I don't know how you do it but I admire that you do. I can on my imagine the relief you must feel when you finally finish a project. One thing I would really like go back in time to see is the farm house I grew up in. What it looked like originally before it was added onto several times. Then see the additions as they came along. We actually had 2 back doors right next to each other but one didn't work very well so we never used it. My bedroom was the old kitchen. I was always curious about how they got the old water tank up to the top of the water tower then see how they got the water pumped up there from the well. I really miss the old barns where I spent so much time. And the old tree house. At one point there was a pond for swimming. I often wondered what that looked like too. It would so cool to be able to travel back in time to see that place as it transformed over the years.😉
Spot on The History of Smells has always entertained me A female journalist travelling from Sanfransisco. arriving by ship to Sydney 1880s remarked one could smell Sydney before you saw the place .Sydney Harbour was a dump site for human waste abattoirs and garbage The air was filled burnt coal for heating and industry .The congested horse traffic created toxic fumes from horse droppings. Of course we could talk about perfumes and colognes that masked people human odours particularly if they didn’t wash often Cemeteries used as toilets Oh Gads the mind boggles glad to be alive in 21st century
Me too! I do wonder if the bad smells were sensationalised at all though, as so much reported on was. I can’t imagine though that especially really popular areas smelled all that great. Happy to have plumbing 😂
@@VBirchwood My ancestors live on harbour foreshores where Sydney Harbour bridge is now called The Rocks In Windmill St late 19 century Human waste was thrown over into back lane to let the rain do it’s job When the Bubonic plague hit The Rocks 1900 the local building were torn down and replaced by Federation homes with better hygiene running water Family moved to Balmain harbour suburb to be hit by Spanish fly 1919 My mother survived brother died and became ballet dancer singer and model in Roaring Twenties and dad was a professional musician trumpeter 100 years trumpet in family working at gangsters night clubs
Thank you for the video! Can I give a suggestion for a video! I'd love to watch a video about historical lounge wear, it seems to be a very underrated topic!
What I think is sad is that the misconceptions are always negative. 🥺 This I can never understand. About living in another period, I think exactly the same as you! I always say I would like to time travel for a limited short period of time taking the modern supplies. I always say to people, let’s go get the DeLorean. 😆 And I’m also very curious about smell, specially the smells of perfume! I wish I could sniff their perfumes and compare to the modern smells. Would they be better? Worse? The same? I’d love to know! And I made myself a long skirt (not following any pattern) and a petticoat and I wear it and notice some people stare. It took me a long time to get the courage to wear them in public. I’m Christian so I always try to dress with modesty so to me this is perfect! I’m so glad you and more people ignore the misconceptions and keep following your art! 🥰 PS 1: I need more long skirts, history inspired clothes. PS 2: sorry I got carried away and wrote too much. ☺️
It is indeed very interesting that they tend to be quite negative! Getting a chance to smell the perfumes would be very interesting. I suppose the most we can do is recreate old recipes (which are safe by present-day knowledge), and perhaps that would give a bit of a deeper glimpse. hahaha thanks for your comment Sua 😊
@@VBirchwood You know i thought about that while writing, V? That would be really interesting! At least we could have a little taste, or better saying, a little sniff. ☺️
Thank you for your chanel. Your chanel has given me the courage to wear my era,1900 to 1919. Iam starting with my under things and then the wardrobe. Thank you again.
Agree with another comment about jeans. I dislike chairs, and mostly sit on the floor. Hard to do in jeans. Easy to do in a full skirt, and no problem with a corset, either. I also do not like the way tight jeans look on women. The recent switch to ubiquitious leggings isn't an improvement. Just sayin'. Most people in my town seem to suspect I'm part of some radial and oppressive religious cult. Never thought covered head, longer sleeves, and a full ankle-length skirt would make an outlaw out of me. Whatever... "in for a lion"... I'll usually tie on a big apron, too. Most of my clothes are things I've handsewn/knitted myself. Another positive about historical clothing is that you don't usually need a pattern, and fit isn't much of an issue. I love putting tiny cartridge pleats into huge rectangles. Sometimes it feels like miles of sewing.
I never used to like jeans either when I was a kid! I tried wearing them because a lot of my friends wore, but could never quite feel comfortable haha. Cartridge pleats are the best 🥰
Ooh I had an instant idea when you said we don’t have a way to know what it smelled like then, but maybe you can get your hands on a perfume made in those time periods. For example I have a perfume Guerlain called Lheure Bleue which was originally formulated in 1912, and I love wearing it and imagining the women wearing this during that time period (same but obv different formulation than the original) Lovely video, as usual
Thanks Nicole! That’s definitely a great idea, I am however quite sensitive to a lot of ingredients in perfume so it may prove challenging to source one thats historical but still has ingredients my body can tolerate. I have been mixing up some of the safe historical recipes lately though and those seem to be a nice glimpse into the smells. One popular hair powder recipe in the 18th century for instance has the main ingredients of clove and cinnamon, so it just makes me imagine a bunch of the aristocracy walking around smelling like holiday cookies lol
@@VBirchwood oh I see! Well how cool that you’ve been mixing your own, I guess that’s probably as close as we can get to knowing the (some of the) smell in those times. Haha holiday cookie hair sounds wonderful! Maybe I’ll have to make a sort of dry shampoo and include those ingredients Thanks for your response 😀
@@Nichole.4nn Oooo that sounds like a great idea this time of year! It's refered to as Mareschal powder if you need to look up the ingredients 😊 thanks for your comments!
Yes, I have to admit, that every time I'm wearing an historical outfit in public people asked all kind of questions like if I was an extra in a movie etc. I admit, it takes a little courage to go out there dressed in an outfit of another century. It is not about attention, it is just that modern fashion isn't my thing... It is great to see someone who dares and I wish there would be more people like you out there!
Excellent points, and so nicely illustrated. I completely agree that in these trying times, people should strive for what brings them joy, without a detriment to themselves or others.
Don't worry, you're not the only one that gets it. I got 'Why are you dressed up ?' yesterday, although I thought it was just a relaxed early 2Oth C look, a warm tweed jacket with a pocket square. It elicited a polite but end of conversation response. If it gets any colder I'm going to dig out my fur trimmed 17th C cassock with 100 buttons.... that will draw glances 😊
I do not currently wear historical clothing, but I have never been the biggest fan of current fashions and do have an increasing interest in historical fashions, so it is something I have considered more and more and may eventually try. My biggest obstacle is probably going to be how little experience I have with sewing, something I do want to change as well. I seem to recall when I did do some sewing, it was a rewarding way to pass my time.
I can definitely relate as I just started sewing 2 years ago, but I’ve been wearing historical fashion for longer so there was a point where I felt similarly. My best advice would be start with something small just to get used to the stitches (like a tunic, apron, etc.) and see how that feels. Then proceed from there depending on what you felt your experience with that project was like 😊
I think another misconception about historical based clothing is next to synthetic fabrics, wearing a 100% natural material is much more comfortable and breathable. Working with you, not de-sensitizing you to the weather and suffocating your skin like mass produced modern day clothing. I'm very inspired by ancient historical fashion and even fantasy literature cultures like the elves from Lord of the Rings, because the clothes you wear truly do affect how you see and connect with the world around you. Often people assume I'm wearing a costume. They don't realise it's a high quality garment, made of natural fabric, hand sewn beautifully by artisans who make beautifully unique pieces of art. They just think it's a costume and want to gawk at something they've never seen before. I think a lot of people don't understand the hours upon hours of work that goes into the sewing of the patterns and design. The magnitude of work you put into your craft creating such one of a kind pieces of art and faithful to how they would have been created in the past, is truly inspiring and I thank you for shining a light on a topic that is not often thoroughly discussed when it comes to historical fashion. I can't wait to watch more of your videos!
Thanks a lot for your support and kind words! I'm definitely a big lover of natural fibres myself. They really are so much more comfortable, but I'm also biased because I have sensitive skin to synthetic fibres for prolonger wear, so I don't sew my own clothes with them for that reason, because I'd rather not have to live with irritated skin haha. I'm sorry that people don't always understand that what you wear isn't a costume, rather quality made art. It's definitely so frustrating when people don't realise how long something may have taken, but then also don't get it either if one further explains. Perhaps it's the instant-ness of our world today, it sometimes makes it hard for people to imagine that someone made something wearable completely by hand and took a significant chunk of time to do so.
@@VBirchwood Through trial and error I realised it was synthetics (among other things) that were causing my skin irritation. Living with irritated skin is the worst! I've just switched to a 100% natural organic shampoo and I've been using natural soaps for years, if you don't mind me asking what other steps do you take to look after your sensitive skin? I believe you're right about the instant-ness of our world, it's a shame. I wish more people would take the time to experience the joy a high quality garment made with love can bring. I know with your channel more and more people will be inspired to look into well made historical clothing and give it a try, and that is a wonderful thing indeed!
Thanks for your kind words! As for what has helped my sensitive skin, I stopped eating wheat and cow’s dairy as a teenager which cleared up a lot of my skin issues because I have sensitivities to both, and then also I use all organic or natural-based care products, laundry detergents, makeup, and other cosmetics. Also a good zinc based sun cream seems to do me very well. And making sure to apply nourishing creams to any problem areas when I notice they start arising.
I enjoyed the video, it was very nice to understand diferent kind of misunderstandings that people can have because of the clothes we wear. Thanks for sharing ☺️
9:26 i suppose the movabilty of/mobility with the clothings very much depends on the formality i could imagine thath the kind of clothing worn on the Court of versaie or other courts in general would have minimalised mobility which is partly why i dont wear historical clothing the one i actualy like the looks of are the ones worn by kings or nobility or at the very least in very formal attire (in fact disslike anything thath could look remotley as if coming from a farm or something like this ) and as said i would suposse tahth those garments would than indeed be rather decresive for the comfort
I have never wanted to wear historical clothing, but I do love hearing and seeing how it was made. Some of the styles are so beautiful. I still like to sew these styles for my dolls though I haven't worked on any in awhile. I di think historical clothing might be uncomfortable but happy to hear otherwise. Love your inspiring thoughts and demonstrations, you are a refreshing member of society!
Very nice video. I def relate to the wearable art and enjoying wearing something you spent a lot of time making. I'm typing this while wearing a handsewn 18th century style bed jacket made of wool and lined with cotton...and sweat pants.
I completely agree with wanting to know what it smelled like in Victorian times and other time eras in history. I have a very sensitive nose so scents and odors are a big thing to me many times.
Yes exactly!! There's this common hair powder worn very often during the 18th century and its main ingredients are cinnamon and cloves, so I often joke with people that some individuals must have walked around smelling of holiday cookies hahaha.
@@VBirchwood that would make me hungry all the time but I bet it would be so much better than some of the modern overpowering headache inducing perfumes that some people wear now. I can imagine that everything would smell so much different without the more artificial scents and without the more modern pollution. Walking through a neighborhood when people are cooking would be mouth watering…especially when windows are open. Of course I don’t want to think about being in a room with a bunch of sweaty people during the summer months…since I’m sure not everyone would smell like holiday cookies lol.
A well fitted corset feels like having a super muscled core btw, or a hug! I think people have just tried them when they’re not made well or fitted to them. Your videos are superb, I look forwards to seeing more ❤️
I completely agree that people (most people, at least) do not wear historical clothing for the purpose of standing out. I do not exactly dress historically, but I do have a historically-inspired, more European style of clothing, and I often struggle with feeling self-conscious. I wear what I wear because it is beautiful, feminine, and practical, not because I want attention. In fact, the opposite is true!
Really nice to see you -- lovely presentation, very clear. One of the things I like about history clothes, is that I think it shows a bit more of a person's personality. Also, in your costume today, you particularly look so nice and clean!!! Awesome 😊
Another big thing that photographs can't convey is the the feel of different textures. Yeah, there a modern variations of things but there are differences. How something feels in your hand, where the weight sits, etc.
Yep people are often shocked when they find out Im completely capable of running to catch a train or climbing over the fence or on a tree while wearing my clothes (very toned down Edwardian fashion, I wear corset sometimes and just above the ankle length skirts). I used to even wear my corset for my university PE class because it was comfier than a bra. It's really about preference, I personally love to run in long skirts, especially down the stairs, the movement of the garment is such joy...
Oh yes... misconception #7 😒 i have an entire wardrobe of Edwardian clothing, but can only get up the courage to wear them in public only on Halloween 😑
try slowly incorporating a blouse with your modern wear , or a skirt here and there. then you can still wear them and not feel like you are getting weird glances
Thanks Anja! I’m not super great at hair in all honesty, I just know enough to get by with my own hair, but I will at some point make a video about the styles I like to wear for myself which are at least historically inspired 😊
M1: how sad that would be, to only have ONE fashion to choose from!!!! M5: omg the MODESTY thing .... I swear I got a lot of unsolicited comments on that too! I actually go topless at the beach ... so yeah ... that's modesty for you =D
M1: Yes!! It's a bit crazy to think how people (who could afford it) had what was essentially in style to choose from. Whilst we have eras upon eras to choose from, and various classes as well. M5: I'm not sure why long skirts consistently get associated with modesty, some people just like long skirts lol
As someone who generally wears either Pakistani salwar kameez styles (when it's raining, generally it rains a lot here in Ireland) or I wear early Norman styles. Both are equally comfortable and I've only ever received compliments (I lie, a couple of times some women have told me that I should stand up for myself and refuse to wear such clothing - none have ever been local, tourists at a guess by the accents - probably assuming I am some downtrodden Muslim woman. I admit I laughed when they had gone). I find both styles incredibly comfortable and I can layer leggings under my salwar and wear short chemises tucked into them as well just as easily as under my Norman dresses. The only thing I don't have but would like is a pair of Regency stays. Being not only short (under 1.5m/5') but also with a matching hip measurement I can't manage without a bra. Modern ones are bearable worn over a chemise - can't wear it on it's own, react to the plastics in the fabric - but they are still rather confining and uncomfortable even when adapted so they lace up the front. I do have a pattern but the 'cup' part is way way too small and I'm not certain of the best way to make it larger, until then a modern front lacing bra will have to do.
I believe skirts of the "fashionable" were longer simply because they didn't have to work, and they also didn't have to clean their own clothing. Even now, the rich don't wear the same things normal people wear.
The smell of that time was not so pleasant. My great grandmother was a young woman in the early 1910s. When I asked her about that time, she claimed that it was dirty and smelly. The horses went all over the street and it took awhile for all that mess to be cleaned, if at all. Another horrifying story she told me was that sometimes horses did die in the street. Because these animals were so large, they couldn't immediately carry them off. So the bodies would just lie there.
Yes definitely! My masters is actually in creative writing, and very often we would be challenged to workshop what things smelled like. I write poetry, so it’s an excellent technique to also use when describing things in poems.
While i woud not say thath i dress the way i do ( which is not historical but more jsut classic menswear as it would ahve benn common just about 80 to 100 years ago ) for attention i do only wear it when going aóutside as for me its jsut a lovely way to represnt my personality it attracts aswell as repels the right kind of people and shoes my personaly quite well
Heyyy! Loving your videos and wanting to begin making my own clothes that are practical. I am tired of wasting money on clothes that don’t feel comfortable or last long. Do you have a video breaking down what each basic piece is necessary to complete a look. And what it’s called or how to put it on? Is this something that would be on your Patreon ?
Hi Jane! Thanks so much. I can totally understand your frustration and your desire to wear comfortable and long-lasting clothes. I plan to at some point break down the undergarments at least of Victorian and Georgian fashion during certain periods, but that’s actually a really great idea for Patreon posts as well, as I’d be able to complete that more in a blog format. What periods in specific are you interested in? The undergarments vary a bit depending on when it is.
@@VBirchwood Victorian and Georgian undergarments are honestly perfect time period and looks very comfortable (especially the pants) haha! I also need a corset that you explained in a video that was able to be loosened during pregnancy. Does it have a particular name? Or just find one with front lace so as to breastfeed as well? I know you mentioned maternity was not your forte so if you have a recommended TH-camr For that sort of attire? I agree about the blog post style verse TH-cam but I do very much appreciate the visual aid. I shall be a new Patreon member come January for sure. Thank you for all you have done so far and actually responding to comments I’m sure that gets overwhelming!
Great to know! With regards to maternity corsets, they didn’t really have a specific name or even really design until the later Victorian period, as mostly corsets would sometimes just be made with those slide slits or breast feeding slits that would lace up. Sadly, there’s very limited resources on historical maternity corsetry/maternity wear, which is part of why I also really wanted to release this maternity wear video as it’s a topic that’s seriously lacking. My best recommendation would be to Google some articles written on maternity corsets, as you might be able to find some info there, but also be prepared to find some really hysterical articles that are a bit appalling (and generally not written by historians lol). Lightly boned jumps (an 18th century garment) are also really practical for maternity wear, as they offer a little support but aren’t tight. I have seen a TH-cam video of an individual wearing stays they made during pregnancy as well. If you search 18th Century Maternity Stays by Katherine Sewing on YT, you should be able to find it 😊 essentially all historical clothing pretty much had to be modifiable into maternity clothing, since pregnancy was such a natural and regular part of life for most women, so the majority of undergarments can be modified to accommodate pregnancy. Thanks so much for your support and I appreciate your future Patronage already 😊 comments can definitely get overwhelming at times but I love interacting with everyone, so it’s worth it!
@@VBirchwood This is all very helpful thank you so much I will be looking into each direction you have sent me haha this is very useful information. Hopefully my questions and your answers help someone else too😊 chat with you on another video I’m sure . Thank you again!
I have every intention of doing so when I retire, sewing and dressing in the Victorian fashion with modern twists. Except the corset, I find I would probably be walking around in a constant state of .....discomfort! A constant state of arousal so to speak. As I said with a modern twist. Comfort is a high plus! But I have alway wanted this, I worked in factories for over 20 years. Irregardless retirement, will bring a certain amount of freedom!
Oh my goodness, I was just thinking about how people determined what smelled bad and what was accepted or desirable in the past. Lol, I'm glad im not the only one who thinks about that.
I would love to dress historically... not everyday, but every so often... but I'm worried people would mistake me for one of the women who live at a nearby polygamy "compound?" idk if that's the right word. Anyway they're at the local stores here every so often.
Is it a commune perhaps? I can see why that’d be challenging, especially if it isn’t your lifestyle. It’s very tricky to get mistaken for something you don’t relate or resonate with. When I lived in Iceland, I got mistaken for Amish actually quite a bit as I used to wear a lot of bonnets and it was frustrating because I’m pretty sure I’m the opposite of Amish haha.
@@VBirchwood Yeah, I think that people on the outside of the historic-dress/costube community have a hard time recognizing subtle differences in sillhouette, color, style, era, etc. They see historic and think of amish, or other groups with historic-based dress. Which is soooo frustrating because we're not part of those groups, and don't want to be associated with them.
Yes you’re definitely right! Which is interesting too because so often Amish dress, or any type of dress that’s related to history but is worn by specific groups, really is sometimes a far stretch from actual historical attire, but again it’s enough of a subtlety that people outside of the niche don’t know. The poor portrayal of historic dress in some movies/tv also probably doesn’t help the matter 😂
They would still have been selectively bred . people have been slowly modifying plants and animals by selective breeding since the domestication of animals
I wear oversized synthetic, sweat wicking T-shirts and shorts, with below ankle socks and crocks. So, I would not want to throw rocks at you from my glass house...
I’m sure he smelled bad - hygiene wasn’t as good (no deodorant that worked) sewers not so good either. Also we didn’t protect the environment back then so factories stunk big time and poisoned the water. So I am sure it didn’t smell good. And them using any rose oil and such wouldn’t help much at all.
Yes sadly I’d imagine more so than personal hygiene, the systems in place in cities probably sucked just due to a lack of knowledge about contamination etc. People historically were super smart but you don’t know what you don’t know, and since hygienic infrastructure was so new, it makes sense it took a while for people to become very cognisant of it. I mean heck, even today there are places that are not cognisant of it.
Thank you so much everyone for watching! I've been dilligently sewing the Swiss waist for the Berry Dress and it will be released next Thursday. Can't wait 😊
I'm so excited for the berry dress.
@@inchb.wigglet640 thank you Inch! So am I 😊 bit by bit the pieces are coming together
"London: The Biography" by Peter Ackroyd includes descriptions of the smell of London in different times especially the Victorian era. Basically disgusting. Horse poop, coal soot, etc.
Some women report that they don't get catcalled when they are in period clothes.
I can honestly say that toileting is much easier in historical clothing especially in a humid climate as anyone would know on a hot humid day when struggling to .😮pull your knickers and pants back up after using the toilet
I used to wear historical clothing a lot. Unfortunately, there came a time when my boys did not want to be seen with me, so I had to tone it down a bit, by wearing shorter skirts, etc. Then I got sick and was put on prednisone and gained a lot of weight. I had to change my style for a while to off the rack pants and tunics as I was not up to sewing a new wardrobe to fit my new size. A year ago in October, my right leg had to be amputated because the bone was got infected from knee surgery. When I get my artificial leg I have been told the device will over time eat up the knee part of the material of the pants if I choose to wear pants. I will be going back to wearing my 1900-1910 dress and skirt styles again. I just have to start to make a whole new wardrobe because of the weight gain. I will have to wait until I am more mobile again. I am so looking forward to sewing new things to wear. Please keep up your inspiring videos. I enjoy not only the information you have but knowing there are people out there who are like me who like to wear historical clothing.
I'm so sorry about all the hardships you've been through Becky, but your attitude about it all is incredibly admirable. It's really wonderful to hear you're going to go back to wearing the skirts you love! Happy sewing and thank you for your very kind and moving comment 😊
Wow, I hope you get well soon! Sewing a new wardrobe is going to take a while but I bet it is going to be really rewarding, your resiliance is admirable too!
I'm sorry that you went through those challenges. You are so worth the time it takes to sew clothes that you love and are comfortable wearing. I hope these new garments will give you emotional healing. ❤️
I recently (9 months ago) fell off a cliff while hiking and severely fractured my spine. It’s been very difficult & am still in a lot of pain and rehab. I re-discovered the joy and meditative calming of hand sewing and the pride of finishing a beautiful wearable garment that I know is going to hold up for a long time and I feel pretty in historical clothing.
I can walk again but am only able to be “up & about” for about a hour or so a day. Hand sewing, knitting & crochet can be done in bed. It’s about the only thing that keeps me from going bonkers. I’m also getting through a ton of UFO’s in my sewing room.
@@womensarmycorpsveteran2904 Thank you for your service and your strength. ❤️
*IT GENUINELY CAME AS A SHOCK* to me to learn that people in the past didn't like being cold, wet or uncomfortable and had worked out how to be warm, dry and comfortable.
And the opposite of "warm, dry and comfortable" is Jeans, modern jeans are the most uncomfortable, damp, cold garment humanity has ever been conned into wearing.
People of all time periods were more like us than sometimes society thinks! I've never liked jeans myself either, even when I wore modern clothes, but do know some individuals that love them so perhaps they are comfortable for some individuals
A friend once looked at me while we were sitting outside a pub in winter and asked "aren't you cold?" I was in my walking skirt - I don't think he expected the lecture he got - short answer 'No!' I was actually the warmest of all of us.
@@tamagothchic - I agree. I remember when I was a teenager a pair of Levi 501's used to be essentially indestructible. Being a teenager I would wear the same pair of jeans every day for everything for like 3 or 4 years before finally riping them beyond repair and buying a new pair.
The last pair I bought lasted about 8 months and were only used occasionally. That was why I stopped with jeans.
I agree. I can never find jeans that fit me right and they are never very flattering on me.
@@tamagothchic they were popular for californias climate and then very hot and cramped mines in which people had to work
I have found that long wool skirts are the most comfortable thing one can wear in the winter. You carry your own warmth around underneath and they are at least ten times warmer than a pair of jeans. Besides, you can add an unlimited number of petticoats, underpants, leggings, legwarmers and tights underneath! And one of the things that may make old clothes (especially corsets) uncomfortable is that our way of sitting and lounging has changed. The modern couches and sofas are not very comfy if you can’t slouch. However, uncomfortable-looking Victorian furniture may be just fine!
all very good points Katja! Thanks for your comment. I own a lot of antique furniture and I find it is actually quite comfortable to sit and lounge on in a corset, but perhaps they are two of a perfect pair 😊
Some years ago there was a fashion programme on television here and one week the presenters went to Limerick and asked some of the girls on the streets whether they liked their long skirts (and I mean maxi) or would they prefer shorter ones. They unanimously preferred the maxi skirt, and for much the same reasons. Much warmer in winter but also they hide your PJs (overslept), the items you are intending to wear after school (leggings, mini skirt and tights etc) and don't want your mum to know about and several other reasons were given along those lines. Even teens realise what is and isn't comfortable and practical.
After wearing stays or corsets while sitting in a car, I can confirm that last bit about slouching.
*IM ENGLISH LIVING IN BULGARIA* I dress in 1900 to 1930 clothing every day and I think most people just assume this is how ALL English people dress...
I hear people say "Oh look at him" and their friends will say "Yes - he's English" as if that's the explanation LOL
Hahaha this is very funny! British people are diverse just like the rest of the world 😉
Bulgaria is behind in fashion anyway lol
@@SweetUareDesi We really aren't, who told you that?
@@TheVoidIsBees I’ve been there
@@SweetUareDesi Okay, and I live here. We are not behind in fashion.
I jokingly call my 'aesthetic' Victorian trailer trash' or 'Victorian circus performer', and I'm often wearing historical pieces in public. I love your point about how people who dress in historical fashion aren't doing it for attention! It's nerve-wracking to go in public when you aren't dressed in a common way, but I often get very positive responses (and people are genuinely curious). Thanks for the great content, and I'm really looking forward to that Swiss waist!
Thanks so much!! I'm glad to hear that you get very positive response on your Victorian circus performer attire hahaha 😊
'Victorian trailer trash' is the funniest shit ever, I'll be adding it to my vocabulary lol.
I use regular clothing just a bit different in styling and sometimes I feel judged. I can't imagine how brave you are.
I said on Morgan's channel, that you have to be cautious when wearing costumes or historical dress or weird clothes in public. I've been forced off a bus when wearing a cape, and harassed, even attacked. That's the hardest part about dressing how you want to. I backed off on it for years because I had a child and did not want the bad attention. But I'm also an artist and I love soft sculpture, and find fabrics to be in and of themselves beautiful. I put fabric on the walls of my house, which some have said looks like a bordello! Oh well, if you want to do what you want, you have to put up with not being obedient to fashion. And yes, I have a utterly impossible job that is extremely stressful, so wearing fun clothes makes me look forward to going to work. And, having you all to watch also makes me look forward to going to work. I can fight the IRS when I have V. Birchwood as a reward! :D
It's terribly tragic that that's sometimes the case! I have found that I've never been kicked out of anywhere, attacked, etc. thankfully, but I also don't spend all that much time around people and am self employed lol. It's very understandable though that you didn't want that type of attention once you had a child, as you have to look out for them too. I love your ode to fabric by draping it to the walls of your house, I'm sure it looks lovely! The end part really made me laugh 😂 Thanks so much for your comment!
Morgan manages to be inspired by historical fashion, but stays juuust this side of current style that she goes under the radar.
Hello. I'm a year late but moving fast. Mature Adult Male here. I am so sorry to hear about your experience. It seems to me it has a lot to do with context. That is, in the town I live in now, I don't even dress in my good dress clothing. It just would not work in a town of miners, loggers, mill-workers and fishers - too redneck, too white trash. I dress more like a tough guy here - some kind of upgraded, clean construction superintendent or something.
The city I came from, however, is a cosmopolitan, international city of high per capita education and head offices. I'm sure women in classic, historical or vintage would not be harassed or harmed because of their clothing. I
dressed well there and I am moving back and can't wait to get into my silk shirts, cashmere jackets, felt fedoras, Portuguese shoes, leather belts and ... dancing (ballroom, American Style). Maybe I will meet a classy woman to dance with.
Any woman dressed in vintage or historical would have nothing but support and admiration from me - I think it is wonderful.
Best wishes to you, do stay safe and I hope you manage to find a way to express your fashion interests in a pleasurable and comfortable way. Cheers!
I don't wear necessarily historically accurate to the Victorian era clothing, but I do like to dress like I'm Dracula's bride, and even if I stick out like a sore thumb in my blood red corset and gigantic lace bell sleeves, I love how I feel, the elegance, the drama, the poise! The *CONFIDENCE* I get from it makes the stares worth it.
Hahaha that’s amazing!
So interesting to hear your responses. I dress in a colourful, individual style, rather than in historic outfits, but so many people comment on my clothes. Here in Zagreb it's quite acceptable to tell a stranger what you think, & often I'm the only person not wearing black, navy, or grey, which always attracts comments. It makes me self-conscious, especially because I'm a short, fat person, so in winter clothes I look like a rainbow-coloured ball! But I won't stop wearing the bright colours & harajuku style in which I feel comfortable.🌈💕❤
Thanks so much Fi! I've very proud of you for continuing to wear what you love to regardless of what people say or think. The most important thing is that you're comfortable and your clothes bring you joy so well done on following your heart 😊
Thankyou! The internet is wonderful for bringing together a community that wouldn't otherwise meet, & I've had nothing but support from it.
I love the extent to which different clothing subcultures relate to one another. I never would have been inspired to go all out in my fashion choices if it were not for following Roma-Gyaru styles and listening to the Lolita and Decora communities on TH-cam. Even though my current style looks nothing like any of those things, I think the bravery of Harajuku fashion adopters was what inspired me to express myself more fully and deliberately.
I find #8 to be pretty funny. Of course you can move in the clothes! Honestly, they had to move even more than we do today on average. Also, have you tried moving in some modern clothes? It's nearly impossible to keep shirts tucked in to anything when reaching up just because of where the waist sits in most lower garments... And the length of most shirts doesn't help either.
Yeah #8 is super funny definitely! I guess it's just because movement and comfort is different in historical clothes, rather than being lessened, so perhaps for those who aren't familiar with historical dress or haven't worn it ever themselves, it would appear from the outside to be more difficult to move in haha.
I stopped wearing pants years ago for this reason. I just can move in then. I tell people all the time I wear long skirts because I feel like pants constrict my movements. That doesn't mean long skirts are with out their own challenges, but way fewer than pants. At least that is my experience.
@@SimpleDesertRose yeah I definitely agree! They're extremely convenient and freeing in different ways.
These are all true of medieval and Tudor clothing as well. I remember making a corset for a woman who wore it for a week who told me she was never going back to a bra again. Another story, I was at a Faire and came out of a portapotty and shook out my farthengale, shocking a woman nearby who assumed I’d used the handicap stall due to the farthengale. Nope, I have bad knees and needed the supports to get up and down. A farthengale folds up quite easily to allow me to use the bathroom! LOL! Good post!
Thanks so much Kat!
Wow that's quite an interesting story about the farthengale haha. I think too it's presumptive of that individual to assume disabilities are always visible, because some individuals have hidden disabilities perhaps and shouldn't have to justify using the accessible stalls anyways.
Prior Attire does a fabulous video on using public facilities/the loo when wearing a crinoline and similar styles. Well worth watching for anyone not so believing. At the end she gets into a small modern car - Nissan Micra type size - behind the steering wheel, still wearing a crinoline and Victorian dress.
@@MayYourGodGoWithYou I used to go to and from TnRF in my garb driving a Toyota Sienna van. No problem at all! Didn’t matter what I was wearing. For that matter I’ve done the same driving to events which means I’ve worn everything from 10C to full Elizabethan nobles. And some later periods as well. Farthengales and crinolines just shake out. Corsets made to fit in natural fibers are way more comfortable than modern bras. And I just don’t buy anything but natural and natural blends except for polarfleece and that’s because I’m allergic to wool. Even when I wash it I react to it. ::sigh::
@@MayYourGodGoWithYou I remember that video. It reminds me of the time myself and three fighters packed all our gear (including tents) and drove from Nashville to Memphis for an event and I got pulled over in the middle of rush hour on the interstate. First ticket. I’m wearing a cloak. And the cop calls me back to his car. And it’s not until I’m sitting in his vehicle that I remember I’m still wearing my dagger. Didn’t say a word. I was 26. Full on 12C garb. Terrified. Got to the event and a friend said “oh didn’t I tell you about the speed trap?” I was just trying to keep up with traffic in the *right* hand lane!
@@katwitanruna A friend here would regularly drive over on the ferry to Britain to attend events and he would always put his swords, a lance and longbow with arrows right on top so the cops could see them if he was pulled over. I think he was once, and that was because the cops were interested in why he was driving in garb with swords but there weren''t any problems. Even crossing on the ferry there were never any questions asked, which I did find amazing.
I love this! Since I am still in much earlier part of converting my wardrobe to more historical style, my style tends to get read as "huh, she really likes long skirts" instead of, well, historical. It's somewhat reassuring to hear how you handle the unwanted commentary, as I assume it will increase in my day to day life once bigger portion of my wardrobe is clearly historical instead of just... idk what people would call it, quirky? I already get misread to be more old fashioned the way I dress now, and it has been a journey to learn how to make it clear that my values are in fact very, very modern haha.
Also, even tho my only corset is modern, I can already say corset feel like a hug. Why would you not like a gentle, supportive hug? It makes me feel great, and I am excited to get a more historical corset at... some point.
Thanks!! You'll definitely have people misreading you still most likely, but ultimately I think their disdain for wanting to speak with someone they deem more "modest" is perhaps also a belief for them to challenge, because people aren't always what they appear on the surface, and sometimes it takes getting to know someone to really understand who they are and build relationship with them. I'm sure you'll meet many lovely people too who love what you wear, so it's likely to balance itself out a bit 😊 People always judge anyways, it's just when one dresses more "outlandish" people sometimes feel justified to judge outwardly rather than keeping it to themselves. The judgement is there regardless though. And that's okay! It's pretty human to judge for better or for worse.
Yes definitely it's so much like a hug!
@@VBirchwood That is a wise way to look at it! Generally when people make me feel a little self concious of what I wear I remind myself of the fact that people will always look at you no matter what you wear, so I might as well get stared at in clothes that I love instead of clothes that make me uncomfortable.
Yes, the most supportive hug! Also great for posture, so I am super excited to get more :)
Also, a little of topic, but I absolutely love your collar and brooch combo on this video. Very pretty!
I'm slowly going more and more historical(ish) in my wardrobe. My coworkers just accepted it, because I'm "the weird one" and always been. My boss said "oh, you have such a creative personality, of course you have to express yourself". I guess being Phoebe Buffay of the group pays off🤣
Hahahaha yes it definitely does pay off 😂That's great to hear though that they all just accept it!
Great points! I truly find it so funny that people think everything historical must be uncomfortable or not practical because "people back then were dumb" -.- And one reason for that is (in my opinion) that many people only look at all those high fashion pictures and dresses of upper class persons... thats like saying modern clothing is soooo uncomfortable and not practical at all because people at the red carpet or models on catwalks... (Only because high heels with 15cm exists doesnt mean everyone wears them... and only because there were some women who tight laced for beauty standards it was definitely a minority...)
Yes that’s definitely a very good point! The highest echelon of society is never an accurate representation of the everyday person, even now as you say. Thanks for your comment 😊
I love how you explained that people were just people like us. Sometimes, we are so consumed by the fact that they are re history that we just FORGET that they were human beings, who liked the same things as we do, and in the end we all are having a Han experience here, across all eras. So instead of focusing on the differences between us and them, let's learn and enjoy what we can enjoy from them 😉.
Another misconception people have is that : stout or large women didn't exist in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, and I'm here to say that they DEFINITELY EXISTED. There are so many body shapes and, like they exist today they existed in the yesteryears ☺️
Thanks so much!
And YES that is such a huge misconception absolutely. People of all sizes and shapes have always existed and weren't merely "smaller back then", but we can partially thank survivourship bias for that one hahaha.
People questioning the mobility of historical garments is so weird to me. Of course there were certain historical styles that would've made certain movements uncomfortable...but there are equivalents in modern fashion as well. For instance, you mentioned some 1830s styles being difficult to lift one's arms in, but the same could be said for a modern crop top. Skinny jeans limit leg mobility, and fitted, structured shoulders on a blouse or coat limit range of motion there. You either pick a style that removes those hindrances or you learn to move with your clothing.
Also, this whole video was extremely well-done. You articulate your thoughts so eloquently and sensibly!
Yes that's extremely true, modern clothes have a number of their own mobility issues as well.
I think too that because upper classes tended to have so many different outfits for different occasions, they would have spent many time periods in various garments, each having an array of comfort level. Morning and day gowns, for instance, or anything that might be for at-home and left just for guest reception, would have been far more comfortable than something like an evening gown, which theoretically would have only been worn for a few hours at a party, or perhaps for an evening dinner, and then they'd probably switch to bed clothes or lounging clothes again. And then, of course, with working class folks it probably would have been a lot of comfort and practicality. I think it just stems from what we see depicted in the mainstream in film. Also perhaps due to the upright posture produced by the corset. But good posture isn't meant to be uncomfortable, in fact, it's meant to make us more comfortable in the long run.
Thanks so much for your compliments Otter! 😊 I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
My light coat (bought from H&M many years ago) has armscyes that restrict my arm movements similar to an Elizabethan doublet.
I cover my hair at work, and my modern elasticated solution has been a bit abrasive on my hair. So I'm making a Tudor bonnet and frontlet! My coworkers are super into this project and have been very supportive. It's not the most historically accurate, since I have to adhere to the Company Colors, but I'm loving the ability to actually be myself, at work! I'm planning a walking skirt for winter, too - with a nice wool-quilted petticoat. And I can do that, now! The dress code used to be so much more restrictive, but they've been making a real effort to make it so that marginalized people don't have to "hide" at work. And it turns out, *most* people felt like they were hiding. But no more!
This is so cool! And it’s great to hear your place of employment is trying to encourage self identity deeper.
I think I would instantly die if I went back to Victorian London, my nose is super sensitive and all the smog and sewage would just smite me from this earth as soon as I stepped out the time machine 😂
Also the outfit you are wearing looks really comfortable!
Hahahaha that's too funny. While London probably didn't smell the best due to all the horses, at least there'd be the fresh countryside to escape to. But then again, it would take you days in a carriage potentially to get there, by which point the 24 hours would be up lol.
Thanks Lilja! 😊
@@VBirchwood might try to aim for 19c Inverness or something, will probably smell better there 😂
@@LiljaHusmo Way, WAY better. And it's beautiful which helps 😉
I just imagined the "ooh Popeye's biscuits- AH" meme 😂
oh Victorian london- AH *dissipates into the air, adding to the pollution*
@@mariamatedei it's true I would just *poof*
Even ignoring the practical benifits of a corset like support, I like wearing them, they feel like getting a permanent hug and wearing armor at the same time, so it is also an emotional support garment ^^
Yes absolutely! Very emotionally supportive 😊
It's funny that you mention what things smelled like in Victorian times...
In twenty or thirty years, when people ask me what life was like in England in the 1980s, the first thing I will tell them is that everything- and I do mean EVERYTHING- stank of cigarette smoke. The bars, the streets, the taxi-cabs, the airports, and most of all, the people themselves- they all reeked of it.
It is the one of the few things about the post-2000s era that is unequivocally better than it used to be.
It’s hard to imagine a world honestly where everything smelled of cigarettes! Being in Russia as a kid I remember it kind of being like this too as people could smoke in smoking sections of restaurants at least (only separated by a velvet curtain usually lol), but still some places were off limits. As someone quite sensitive to the smell of cigarettes now, I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for those who couldn’t tolerate secondhand smoke. They must’ve felt like they had nowhere to go.
@@VBirchwood That is exactly correct. I was physically nauseated by second-hand smoke, and I never even considered entering a bar until I was in my early 20s and they finally reduced the amount of smoking to endurable levels in the US. It is one of the few things about today that is unequivocally better than in the past.
Izabela of Priorattire has a great video on using the privy in various historical garments. She also has a video where she gets in her car with a bustle and drives it around, just to show how it folds up. There are a lot of videos out there that show how easy it is too move. I think I mentioned before about Abby Cox having a video where she and her two of her friends stand out in the hot hot sun for a couple hours in full historical costume and not being hot. Seems like everyone has to do a video debunking common misconceptions about historical garments. I talked to someone on Facebook a while back who told me the only time her corsets were even the slightest bit uncomfortable was when they were brand new and needed to be worn to break them in so to speak. I don't blame you for wanting to be bale to travel back in time for 24 hours. There is a lot to be said for the senses of it. I used to fantasize as a kid what it would be like to travel back in time even if it was just locally to see what things looked like. Especially in my hometown. I would have loved to have seen what it looked like before the big fire destroyed all but two of the original buildings of the original town. It would be so amazing too be able to experience Independence Day before everything was modernized. Even over the years as it grew into the modern town it would be an experience to see how they locals celebrated and how big the annual parade was. What kind of fireworks were set off. The only real issue with a picture or a short video clip is its just a quick snap shot in time that only apples to one or two of the senses. Its completely different to be here and experience it in person.
Anyways another great video. I can't wait to see the swiss waist for the berry dress come to life next week. I bet it will be beautiful. See you next week ❤️
Thanks so much DesertRose! It's great to see all the content out debunking misconceptions, especially from people who have more first hand experience with historical garments and therefore can provide their personal experiences. And I can definitely understand your desire to see your town and how it was back in history. It's quite enthralling to imagine a specific place and how it might have been. Even just how shops might have been set up, etc.
I'm really excited to share the Berry Dress Swiss waist! I'll be done with it at long last tonight, so then it'll be endless editing of the footage 😃
@@VBirchwood you are way more ambitious than I am to make so many amazing things all by hand. Your really do have the patience of a saint. Like I said I would be banishing a big project like that to the UFO pile forever. I don't know how you do it but I admire that you do. I can on my imagine the relief you must feel when you finally finish a project.
One thing I would really like go back in time to see is the farm house I grew up in. What it looked like originally before it was added onto several times. Then see the additions as they came along. We actually had 2 back doors right next to each other but one didn't work very well so we never used it. My bedroom was the old kitchen. I was always curious about how they got the old water tank up to the top of the water tower then see how they got the water pumped up there from the well. I really miss the old barns where I spent so much time. And the old tree house. At one point there was a pond for swimming. I often wondered what that looked like too. It would so cool to be able to travel back in time to see that place as it transformed over the years.😉
Spot on The History of Smells has
always entertained me
A female journalist travelling from Sanfransisco. arriving by ship to Sydney
1880s remarked one could smell Sydney before you saw the place .Sydney Harbour was a dump site for human
waste abattoirs and garbage
The air was filled burnt coal for heating and industry .The congested horse traffic created toxic fumes from horse droppings. Of course we could talk about perfumes and colognes that masked people human odours particularly if they didn’t wash often
Cemeteries used as toilets Oh Gads the mind boggles glad to be alive in 21st century
Me too! I do wonder if the bad smells were sensationalised at all though, as so much reported on was. I can’t imagine though that especially really popular areas smelled all that great. Happy to have plumbing 😂
@@VBirchwood
My ancestors live on harbour foreshores where Sydney Harbour bridge is now called The Rocks
In Windmill St late 19 century
Human waste was thrown over into back
lane to let the rain do it’s job
When the Bubonic plague hit The Rocks
1900 the local building were torn down
and replaced by Federation homes with
better hygiene running water
Family moved to Balmain harbour suburb
to be hit by Spanish fly 1919
My mother survived brother died
and became ballet dancer singer and model in Roaring Twenties and dad was a professional musician trumpeter 100 years trumpet in family
working at gangsters night clubs
Counterintuitivly I found, that most history bounder are introverted, it is hard to explain why it makes sense, but it does somehow . . .
This is very true. Perhaps it's due to more creative types choosing historybounding, and creatives are oftentimes more introspective and introverted?
Thank you for the video! Can I give a suggestion for a video! I'd love to watch a video about historical lounge wear, it seems to be a very underrated topic!
Thanks so much! I will definitely be making some videos on historical loungewear 😊
@@VBirchwood wow, thanks! I'm really excited!
What I think is sad is that the misconceptions are always negative. 🥺 This I can never understand.
About living in another period, I think exactly the same as you! I always say I would like to time travel for a limited short period of time taking the modern supplies. I always say to people, let’s go get the DeLorean. 😆 And I’m also very curious about smell, specially the smells of perfume! I wish I could sniff their perfumes and compare to the modern smells. Would they be better? Worse? The same? I’d love to know!
And I made myself a long skirt (not following any pattern) and a petticoat and I wear it and notice some people stare. It took me a long time to get the courage to wear them in public. I’m Christian so I always try to dress with modesty so to me this is perfect!
I’m so glad you and more people ignore the misconceptions and keep following your art! 🥰
PS 1: I need more long skirts, history inspired clothes.
PS 2: sorry I got carried away and wrote too much. ☺️
It is indeed very interesting that they tend to be quite negative! Getting a chance to smell the perfumes would be very interesting. I suppose the most we can do is recreate old recipes (which are safe by present-day knowledge), and perhaps that would give a bit of a deeper glimpse.
hahaha thanks for your comment Sua 😊
@@VBirchwood You know i thought about that while writing, V? That would be really interesting! At least we could have a little taste, or better saying, a little sniff. ☺️
Yes indeed 😊 I’ve tried a few recipes and they can sometimes feel like stepping back into the past
Thank you for your chanel. Your chanel has given me the courage to wear my era,1900 to 1919. Iam starting with my under things and then the wardrobe. Thank you again.
That’s so lovely to hear! Thanks for your comment and I wish you the best on your historical fashion journey 😊
"They are just attention seekers who want to play dress-up"
Same as the people today who wear Gucci sweaters and $1500 sneakers
Agree with another comment about jeans. I dislike chairs, and mostly sit on the floor. Hard to do in jeans. Easy to do in a full skirt, and no problem with a corset, either. I also do not like the way tight jeans look on women. The recent switch to ubiquitious leggings isn't an improvement. Just sayin'.
Most people in my town seem to suspect I'm part of some radial and oppressive religious cult. Never thought covered head, longer sleeves, and a full ankle-length skirt would make an outlaw out of me. Whatever... "in for a lion"... I'll usually tie on a big apron, too. Most of my clothes are things I've handsewn/knitted myself. Another positive about historical clothing is that you don't usually need a pattern, and fit isn't much of an issue. I love putting tiny cartridge pleats into huge rectangles. Sometimes it feels like miles of sewing.
I never used to like jeans either when I was a kid! I tried wearing them because a lot of my friends wore, but could never quite feel comfortable haha.
Cartridge pleats are the best 🥰
Ooh I had an instant idea when you said we don’t have a way to know what it smelled like then, but maybe you can get your hands on a perfume made in those time periods. For example I have a perfume Guerlain called Lheure Bleue which was originally formulated in 1912, and I love wearing it and imagining the women wearing this during that time period (same but obv different formulation than the original)
Lovely video, as usual
Thanks Nicole! That’s definitely a great idea, I am however quite sensitive to a lot of ingredients in perfume so it may prove challenging to source one thats historical but still has ingredients my body can tolerate. I have been mixing up some of the safe historical recipes lately though and those seem to be a nice glimpse into the smells.
One popular hair powder recipe in the 18th century for instance has the main ingredients of clove and cinnamon, so it just makes me imagine a bunch of the aristocracy walking around smelling like holiday cookies lol
@@VBirchwood oh I see! Well how cool that you’ve been mixing your own, I guess that’s probably as close as we can get to knowing the (some of the) smell in those times. Haha holiday cookie hair sounds wonderful! Maybe I’ll have to make a sort of dry shampoo and include those ingredients
Thanks for your response 😀
@@Nichole.4nn Oooo that sounds like a great idea this time of year! It's refered to as Mareschal powder if you need to look up the ingredients 😊 thanks for your comments!
Yes, I have to admit, that every time I'm wearing an historical outfit in public people asked all kind of questions like if I was an extra in a movie etc. I admit, it takes a little courage to go out there dressed in an outfit of another century. It is not about attention, it is just that modern fashion isn't my thing... It is great to see someone who dares and I wish there would be more people like you out there!
Excellent points, and so nicely illustrated.
I completely agree that in these trying times, people should strive for what brings them joy, without a detriment to themselves or others.
Thank you Catherine 😊
@@VBirchwood you are welcome
Don't worry, you're not the only one that gets it. I got 'Why are you dressed up ?' yesterday, although I thought it was just a relaxed early 2Oth C look, a warm tweed jacket with a pocket square. It elicited a polite but end of conversation response.
If it gets any colder I'm going to dig out my fur trimmed 17th C cassock with 100 buttons.... that will draw glances 😊
Definitely will draw more glances hahaha 😂
Apparently a modern summer dress on a warm sunny day is enough to prompt that question.
I do not currently wear historical clothing, but I have never been the biggest fan of current fashions and do have an increasing interest in historical fashions, so it is something I have considered more and more and may eventually try. My biggest obstacle is probably going to be how little experience I have with sewing, something I do want to change as well. I seem to recall when I did do some sewing, it was a rewarding way to pass my time.
I can definitely relate as I just started sewing 2 years ago, but I’ve been wearing historical fashion for longer so there was a point where I felt similarly. My best advice would be start with something small just to get used to the stitches (like a tunic, apron, etc.) and see how that feels. Then proceed from there depending on what you felt your experience with that project was like 😊
I think another misconception about historical based clothing is next to synthetic fabrics, wearing a 100% natural material is much more comfortable and breathable. Working with you, not de-sensitizing you to the weather and suffocating your skin like mass produced modern day clothing.
I'm very inspired by ancient historical fashion and even fantasy literature cultures like the elves from Lord of the Rings, because the clothes you wear truly do affect how you see and connect with the world around you. Often people assume I'm wearing a costume. They don't realise it's a high quality garment, made of natural fabric, hand sewn beautifully by artisans who make beautifully unique pieces of art. They just think it's a costume and want to gawk at something they've never seen before.
I think a lot of people don't understand the hours upon hours of work that goes into the sewing of the patterns and design. The magnitude of work you put into your craft creating such one of a kind pieces of art and faithful to how they would have been created in the past, is truly inspiring and I thank you for shining a light on a topic that is not often thoroughly discussed when it comes to historical fashion. I can't wait to watch more of your videos!
Thanks a lot for your support and kind words!
I'm definitely a big lover of natural fibres myself. They really are so much more comfortable, but I'm also biased because I have sensitive skin to synthetic fibres for prolonger wear, so I don't sew my own clothes with them for that reason, because I'd rather not have to live with irritated skin haha.
I'm sorry that people don't always understand that what you wear isn't a costume, rather quality made art. It's definitely so frustrating when people don't realise how long something may have taken, but then also don't get it either if one further explains. Perhaps it's the instant-ness of our world today, it sometimes makes it hard for people to imagine that someone made something wearable completely by hand and took a significant chunk of time to do so.
@@VBirchwood Through trial and error I realised it was synthetics (among other things) that were causing my skin irritation. Living with irritated skin is the worst!
I've just switched to a 100% natural organic shampoo and I've been using natural soaps for years, if you don't mind me asking what other steps do you take to look after your sensitive skin?
I believe you're right about the instant-ness of our world, it's a shame. I wish more people would take the time to experience the joy a high quality garment made with love can bring.
I know with your channel more and more people will be inspired to look into well made historical clothing and give it a try, and that is a wonderful thing indeed!
Thanks for your kind words!
As for what has helped my sensitive skin, I stopped eating wheat and cow’s dairy as a teenager which cleared up a lot of my skin issues because I have sensitivities to both, and then also I use all organic or natural-based care products, laundry detergents, makeup, and other cosmetics. Also a good zinc based sun cream seems to do me very well. And making sure to apply nourishing creams to any problem areas when I notice they start arising.
I enjoyed the video, it was very nice to understand diferent kind of misunderstandings that people can have because of the clothes we wear. Thanks for sharing ☺️
Thanks for your comment Nato 😊
9:26 i suppose the movabilty of/mobility with the clothings very much depends on the formality i could imagine thath the kind of clothing worn on the Court of versaie or other courts in general would have minimalised mobility which is partly why i dont wear historical clothing the one i actualy like the looks of are the ones worn by kings or nobility or at the very least in very formal attire (in fact disslike anything thath could look remotley as if coming from a farm or something like this ) and as said i would suposse tahth those garments would than indeed be rather decresive for the comfort
PriorAttire did a myth-busting video about perceived issues with Victorian/ historical dress- going to the toilet was one of them...
Ahh very cool! I'll have to check out that video, thanks 😊
I have never wanted to wear historical clothing, but I do love hearing and seeing how it was made. Some of the styles are so beautiful. I still like to sew these styles for my dolls though I haven't worked on any in awhile. I di think historical clothing might be uncomfortable but happy to hear otherwise.
Love your inspiring thoughts and demonstrations, you are a refreshing member of society!
Thanks so much Mel! And making clothing for your dolls sounds lovely 😊
Saying that you're not a time traveler it's exactly what a time traveler would say.....
...Or is it? 😉
@@VBirchwood 🤣
Very nice video. I def relate to the wearable art and enjoying wearing something you spent a lot of time making. I'm typing this while wearing a handsewn 18th century style bed jacket made of wool and lined with cotton...and sweat pants.
Thank you Skirted Galleons! That actually sounds like a very fun and comfortable combination 😂
I completely agree with wanting to know what it smelled like in Victorian times and other time eras in history. I have a very sensitive nose so scents and odors are a big thing to me many times.
Yes exactly!! There's this common hair powder worn very often during the 18th century and its main ingredients are cinnamon and cloves, so I often joke with people that some individuals must have walked around smelling of holiday cookies hahaha.
@@VBirchwood that would make me hungry all the time but I bet it would be so much better than some of the modern overpowering headache inducing perfumes that some people wear now. I can imagine that everything would smell so much different without the more artificial scents and without the more modern pollution. Walking through a neighborhood when people are cooking would be mouth watering…especially when windows are open.
Of course I don’t want to think about being in a room with a bunch of sweaty people during the summer months…since I’m sure not everyone would smell like holiday cookies lol.
I love how people choose to write their own stories.
As in choose to do life differently?
@@VBirchwood yes
A well fitted corset feels like having a super muscled core btw, or a hug! I think people have just tried them when they’re not made well or fitted to them. Your videos are superb, I look forwards to seeing more ❤️
Thank you so much 🥰
Yes, the misconception comes mostly from actresses who were forced to wear them directly on the skin, extremely tight, and just not made for them
I completely agree that people (most people, at least) do not wear historical clothing for the purpose of standing out. I do not exactly dress historically, but I do have a historically-inspired, more European style of clothing, and I often struggle with feeling self-conscious. I wear what I wear because it is beautiful, feminine, and practical, not because I want attention. In fact, the opposite is true!
Really nice to see you -- lovely presentation, very clear. One of the things I like about history clothes, is that I think it shows a bit more of a person's personality. Also, in your costume today, you particularly look so nice and clean!!! Awesome 😊
Thank you very much Chantel! Definitely it helps to show off a person's personality more 😃
Another big thing that photographs can't convey is the the feel of different textures. Yeah, there a modern variations of things but there are differences. How something feels in your hand, where the weight sits, etc.
That’s very true! I’ve noticed this in seeing old photos of antique garments vs. actually holding and seeing one in real life.
That title sure sounds like something a time traveler would say... I always enjoy your explanations!
I can neither confirm, nor deny 😉 Hahaha thanks for your comment bowen arrows
Yep people are often shocked when they find out Im completely capable of running to catch a train or climbing over the fence or on a tree while wearing my clothes (very toned down Edwardian fashion, I wear corset sometimes and just above the ankle length skirts). I used to even wear my corset for my university PE class because it was comfier than a bra. It's really about preference, I personally love to run in long skirts, especially down the stairs, the movement of the garment is such joy...
Oh yes... misconception #7 😒 i have an entire wardrobe of Edwardian clothing, but can only get up the courage to wear them in public only on Halloween 😑
Oh no I'm so sorry to hear that! I hope that you'll be able to wear them more regularly soon, especially if doing so brings you joy 💕
try slowly incorporating a blouse with your modern wear , or a skirt here and there. then you can still wear them and not feel like you are getting weird glances
Woah awesome! I'd love to see you wearing it! You'd look so cool🥰
I still wear historical clothing, not as far back as you go, but an era when I grew up, the 60s!
A delightful thumbnail, as always.
I look forward to watching soon
Thanks so much Catherine 😊
Thanks so much Catherine 😊
Love your channel. Can you do tutorials on historical updos ?
Thanks Anja! I’m not super great at hair in all honesty, I just know enough to get by with my own hair, but I will at some point make a video about the styles I like to wear for myself which are at least historically inspired 😊
M1: how sad that would be, to only have ONE fashion to choose from!!!!
M5: omg the MODESTY thing .... I swear I got a lot of unsolicited comments on that too! I actually go topless at the beach ... so yeah ... that's modesty for you =D
M1: Yes!! It's a bit crazy to think how people (who could afford it) had what was essentially in style to choose from. Whilst we have eras upon eras to choose from, and various classes as well.
M5: I'm not sure why long skirts consistently get associated with modesty, some people just like long skirts lol
@@VBirchwood preciselly, they're very comfortable!
This was really interesting and I'm really glad that you made this to get your perspective
Thanks so much Watson Melon!
My brother does 1700s reenacting here in the US and has gotten quite skilled at making colonial period clothing.
As someone who generally wears either Pakistani salwar kameez styles (when it's raining, generally it rains a lot here in Ireland) or I wear early Norman styles. Both are equally comfortable and I've only ever received compliments (I lie, a couple of times some women have told me that I should stand up for myself and refuse to wear such clothing - none have ever been local, tourists at a guess by the accents - probably assuming I am some downtrodden Muslim woman. I admit I laughed when they had gone). I find both styles incredibly comfortable and I can layer leggings under my salwar and wear short chemises tucked into them as well just as easily as under my Norman dresses. The only thing I don't have but would like is a pair of Regency stays. Being not only short (under 1.5m/5') but also with a matching hip measurement I can't manage without a bra. Modern ones are bearable worn over a chemise - can't wear it on it's own, react to the plastics in the fabric - but they are still rather confining and uncomfortable even when adapted so they lace up the front. I do have a pattern but the 'cup' part is way way too small and I'm not certain of the best way to make it larger, until then a modern front lacing bra will have to do.
You look absolutely MARVELLOUS in that red suit. So beautiful.
And you are right- fashion is art- and you are wearing art pieces.
Thank you 😊
I believe skirts of the "fashionable" were longer simply because they didn't have to work, and they also didn't have to clean their own clothing. Even now, the rich don't wear the same things normal people wear.
That’s true 😊
Wow fantastic video 👌👌👌great my friend,wish you all the best
Thank you very much!
I cant wait to finalize my fist set!
The smell of that time was not so pleasant. My great grandmother was a young woman in the early 1910s. When I asked her about that time, she claimed that it was dirty and smelly. The horses went all over the street and it took awhile for all that mess to be cleaned, if at all. Another horrifying story she told me was that sometimes horses did die in the street. Because these animals were so large, they couldn't immediately carry them off. So the bodies would just lie there.
That’s so sad 😞
I enjoy wearing vintage clothing but , historical fashion on the other hand, I find it difficult to get my hands on them.
What things smelled like! Diana Gabaldon goes to great lengths to describe her ideas of this in her books.
Yes definitely! My masters is actually in creative writing, and very often we would be challenged to workshop what things smelled like. I write poetry, so it’s an excellent technique to also use when describing things in poems.
While i woud not say thath i dress the way i do ( which is not historical but more jsut classic menswear as it would ahve benn common just about 80 to 100 years ago ) for attention i do only wear it when going aóutside as for me its jsut a lovely way to represnt my personality it attracts aswell as repels the right kind of people and shoes my personaly quite well
Live it up! Wear your art!
Thanks Beth! Very much agreed 😊
Heyyy! Loving your videos and wanting to begin making my own clothes that are practical. I am tired of wasting money on clothes that don’t feel comfortable or last long. Do you have a video breaking down what each basic piece is necessary to complete a look. And what it’s called or how to put it on? Is this something that would be on your Patreon ?
Hi Jane! Thanks so much. I can totally understand your frustration and your desire to wear comfortable and long-lasting clothes. I plan to at some point break down the undergarments at least of Victorian and Georgian fashion during certain periods, but that’s actually a really great idea for Patreon posts as well, as I’d be able to complete that more in a blog format. What periods in specific are you interested in? The undergarments vary a bit depending on when it is.
@@VBirchwood
Victorian and Georgian undergarments are honestly perfect time period and looks very comfortable (especially the pants) haha! I also need a corset that you explained in a video that was able to be loosened during pregnancy. Does it have a particular name? Or just find one with front lace so as to breastfeed as well? I know you mentioned maternity was not your forte so if you have a recommended TH-camr For that sort of attire? I agree about the blog post style verse TH-cam but I do very much appreciate the visual aid. I shall be a new Patreon member come January for sure. Thank you for all you have done so far and actually responding to comments I’m sure that gets overwhelming!
Great to know! With regards to maternity corsets, they didn’t really have a specific name or even really design until the later Victorian period, as mostly corsets would sometimes just be made with those slide slits or breast feeding slits that would lace up. Sadly, there’s very limited resources on historical maternity corsetry/maternity wear, which is part of why I also really wanted to release this maternity wear video as it’s a topic that’s seriously lacking. My best recommendation would be to Google some articles written on maternity corsets, as you might be able to find some info there, but also be prepared to find some really hysterical articles that are a bit appalling (and generally not written by historians lol). Lightly boned jumps (an 18th century garment) are also really practical for maternity wear, as they offer a little support but aren’t tight.
I have seen a TH-cam video of an individual wearing stays they made during pregnancy as well. If you search 18th Century Maternity Stays by Katherine Sewing on YT, you should be able to find it 😊 essentially all historical clothing pretty much had to be modifiable into maternity clothing, since pregnancy was such a natural and regular part of life for most women, so the majority of undergarments can be modified to accommodate pregnancy.
Thanks so much for your support and I appreciate your future Patronage already 😊 comments can definitely get overwhelming at times but I love interacting with everyone, so it’s worth it!
@@VBirchwood This is all very helpful thank you so much I will be looking into each direction you have sent me haha this is very useful information. Hopefully my questions and your answers help someone else too😊 chat with you on another video I’m sure . Thank you again!
My pleasure! Speak soon (and feel free to email if you’d like)
I have every intention of doing so when I retire, sewing and dressing in the Victorian fashion with modern twists. Except the corset, I find I would probably be walking around in a constant state of .....discomfort! A constant state of arousal so to speak. As I said with a modern twist. Comfort is a high plus! But I have alway wanted this, I worked in factories for over 20 years. Irregardless retirement, will bring a certain amount of freedom!
Corsets are comfortable and won't feel a stab with a dagger if u wear one
Walking art.🤔 I like that.🌹🍃
I LOVE YOUR VIDEO!!!/❤❤❤❤
Thank you! 😊
Oh my goodness, I was just thinking about how people determined what smelled bad and what was accepted or desirable in the past. Lol, I'm glad im not the only one who thinks about that.
Hahaha you are definitely not alone!
Imagine a world where you could time travel as vacationing as Stewie did on Family Guy. I would want a bit more than 24 hours.
While i have heard people think thath im very conservative in my values based on my style of clothing it is in my case quite true
I would love to dress historically... not everyday, but every so often... but I'm worried people would mistake me for one of the women who live at a nearby polygamy "compound?" idk if that's the right word. Anyway they're at the local stores here every so often.
Is it a commune perhaps? I can see why that’d be challenging, especially if it isn’t your lifestyle. It’s very tricky to get mistaken for something you don’t relate or resonate with. When I lived in Iceland, I got mistaken for Amish actually quite a bit as I used to wear a lot of bonnets and it was frustrating because I’m pretty sure I’m the opposite of Amish haha.
@@VBirchwood Yeah, I think that people on the outside of the historic-dress/costube community have a hard time recognizing subtle differences in sillhouette, color, style, era, etc. They see historic and think of amish, or other groups with historic-based dress. Which is soooo frustrating because we're not part of those groups, and don't want to be associated with them.
Yes you’re definitely right! Which is interesting too because so often Amish dress, or any type of dress that’s related to history but is worn by specific groups, really is sometimes a far stretch from actual historical attire, but again it’s enough of a subtlety that people outside of the niche don’t know. The poor portrayal of historic dress in some movies/tv also probably doesn’t help the matter 😂
@@VBirchwood You should do a video on this misconception.
That’s a nice idea 😊 perhaps in the future when it’s time to bust some more misconceptions!
A LOT of people love historical fashion vintage fashion but not historical or vintage values. That is way more common than having historical values.
Agreed! Thankfully 😅
I would say humans are just as bad today as they were then. And just as kind... people are people regardless of the time...
All the flowers would smell so much better. They would not have been genetically modified.
LOL. We grow heirloom and wild varieties thankfully 😉
They would still have been selectively bred . people have been slowly modifying plants and animals by selective breeding since the domestication of animals
@@HosCreates Sure, but we can only do our best with what we have available to us.
I wear oversized synthetic, sweat wicking T-shirts and shorts, with below ankle socks and crocks. So, I would not want to throw rocks at you from my glass house...
Hahaha! The below ankle socks and crocks is an excellent combination.
as a busty girl, a corset is more comfortable than a strapless bra.
Your voice is like Caroline Konstnar
Hahaha thank you! I had to look them up as I wasn't familiar.
Wait, you're not a time traveler 🥺😢
...Or am I?
Travelling through time in the same direction as the rest of us, at a rate of 3600 seconds per hour.
Why would people choose to wear clothing that is uncomfortable and doesn't let you go about your day-to-day activities? It's such a weird assumption.
Right?! Most people want to feel comfortable in their clothes and be able to get stuff done in them lol.
There is no such thing as "historical values". People back then had diverse values, and people today have diverse values.
Perhaps not so much in the country side though! In London, it even smells pretty awful now 😅
I’m sure he smelled bad - hygiene wasn’t as good (no deodorant that worked) sewers not so good either. Also we didn’t protect the environment back then so factories stunk big time and poisoned the water. So I am sure it didn’t smell good. And them using any rose oil and such wouldn’t help much at all.
Yes sadly I’d imagine more so than personal hygiene, the systems in place in cities probably sucked just due to a lack of knowledge about contamination etc. People historically were super smart but you don’t know what you don’t know, and since hygienic infrastructure was so new, it makes sense it took a while for people to become very cognisant of it. I mean heck, even today there are places that are not cognisant of it.
Do we protect the environment now? Fast Fashion is destroying our planet