SKU: 77016634703
empire waist women's dresses

empire waist women's dresses 215 Empire Dress

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Description

empire waist women's dresses 215 Empire DressMisses sizes SM 3XL. This high waisted dress known today as "empire" was worn in the period following the French Revolution in the late 1700s. Often called a "chemise gown" to satirize its scandalous brevity and lack of undergarments, it reflected a desire to return to simpler, classical Grecian dress after the excesses of the European nobility and patriot alike. Its peak of popularity was during the "First Empire" period (1799 1815); hence its name.

Misses sizes SM-3XL.

This high-waisted dress known today as "empire" was worn in the period following the French Revolution in the late 1700s. Often called a "chemise gown" to satirize its scandalous brevity and lack of undergarments, it reflected a desire to return to simpler, classical Grecian dress after the excesses of the European nobility and patriot alike.  Its peak of popularity was during the "First Empire" period (1799-1815); hence its name.  It was worn floor length or as high as knee length in front; trains were also worn for day or evening until 1806.  The Empire Dress has remained a favorite fashion silhouette through today.

Folkwear presents a sewing pattern for this classic in three lengths, with two sleeve options.  A narrow bodice is gathered into a slim A-line skirt front and side panels, and full gathered skirt back that falls to just below knee length, full length, or full length with train for weddings or formal wear.

On the traditional version, drawstrings fit the bodice firmly to the bust and tie at center back. For contemporary wear, we suggest a closed back and elastic in place of the drawstrings. Short puffed sleeves may be cut very high or slightly longer - both are authentic. The longer sleeves feature button and cord detailing. 

Suggested fabrics: Soft, lightweight or medium-weight fabrics such as cotton gauze, batiste, dotted Swiss, rayon challis, silk, very lightweight silk velvet with drape.

Yardage chart (.pdf)

Era: Regency, 1700s to early 1800s

This pattern is available as a Paper pattern and PDF pattern.  Choose the pattern format you want at the top.  The PDF pattern has instructions, and layered files for copy shop (36” and A0), projector, and print at home (A4 or 8.5”x11”).

Sewing Tip

Linda of Pine City, Minnesota, says this dress is popular with the Fur Trade reenactment crowd and she has made it several times. She says, "Some of us have a devil of a time putting together the little pieces that go around the armhole. The pattern markings are critical, and you should use tailor's tacks and position them carefully. I also suggest that you clearly mark the wrong side of each of the little pieces if your fabric's right and wrong sides are similar."

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SKU: 77016634703

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The MelMan
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
Comfortable and Durable Shirt for the Fall and Winter!
What You Need To Know: - Very Comfortable - Love The Way The Shirt Fits - No Fading from Washing (Warm) - No Shrinkage Drying (Delicate) I'm 6'3" with a long torso. Most of my height is from the waste up. For that reason, I usually only order XLT shirts. I need the extra length of the Tall shirts otherwise, the shirt is typically too short. The shirt was not offered in the XLT size so I decided to order the shirt in the XL size. This is one of the few XL sized shirts I've found that actually fits me! You'll see in the picture that it easily falls below my waist. In addition, I've washed and dried the shirt multiple times and it's held up well. I love the fact that the shirt is a pullover with a zipper instead of buttons. This shirt will definitely be in my rotation for those cool Fall days and all of Winter.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2025
C
Canon
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 4
Truly a SLIM fit
This is DEFINITELY a slim fit. It is true to size but expect it to be fitted pretty tightly on your arms and chest. The material is some kind of stretchy woven knit but thin so good for wearing out and not sweating but because of the slim fit, the tighter arms, I would never risk a golf swing in this for fear of hulking out of the seams. The color is a very nice light blue, true to the pictures and the style is great for someone ok with showing off their body. Overall, a good fall shirt for an affordable price.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2025
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normanbor
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Buy..good item
Size: XX-Large, Color: Black, White, Blue
These I liked. T-shirt material but with the mock turtle neck collar. Light and airy. Going to buy more.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2026
A
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Amazon Customer
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
Fits great wear good 😊
Size: Large, Color: Black, White, Apricot
Good shirts
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Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2026
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Big-Z
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
NICE FABRIC, good sizing
Size: X-Large, Color: Black, White, Blue
These shirts are nice and long, which I appreciate being over 6' tall. I am always reluctant to buy any shirts that are not tall size, but these are long enough to solve that problem. The fabric is soft and comfortable... a good price for good shirts.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2024

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