Chemises

A must have for both men and women. The chemise was used as nightwear or undershirt and provided some measure of ornamentation to the wearer's costume all in one. The fabrics that chemises were made from varied widely depending upon financial status, but were absolutely universal. No one would leave home without a proper chemise on. Normally white or off-white in color since it had to go through vigorous laundering and expensive dyes would not have held. The chemise is often also referred to as a shift or smock.