Victorian dress reform was an objective of the Victorian dress reform movement of the middle and late Victorian era, led by various reformers who proposed, designed, and wore clothing considered more practical and comfortable than the fashions of the time.
1895 Punch cartoon. Gertrude: "My dear Jessie, what on earth is that Bicycle Suit for?" Jessie: "Why, to wear, of course." Gertrude: "But you haven't got a Bicycle!" Jessie: "No; but I've got a Sewing Machine!"
Inès Gaches-Sarraute [fr] in a straight-front corset from about 1892, which became fashionable in the Edwardian period
'The Emancipation Waist.' Excerpt from 'Catalog of Dress Reform and Other Sanitary Under-Garments For Ladies and Children' George Frost and Co., Boston Mass June 1, 1876.
A 1900 diagram from Ladies' Home Journal illustrating the difference between the Victorian and Edwardian corsets
Victorian fashion consists of the various fashions and trends in British culture that emerged and developed in the United Kingdom and the British Empire throughout the Victorian era, roughly from the 1830s through the 1890s. The period saw many changes in fashion, including changes in styles, fashion technology and the methods of distribution. Various movement in architecture, literature, and the decorative and visual arts as well as a changing perception of gender roles also influenced fashion.
1844 fashion plate depicting fashionable clothing for men and women, including illustrations of a glove and bonnets
Illustration depicting fashions throughout the 19th century
Picture of 1850s evening dress with a bertha neckline
Engageants