In the 1890’s the shape of the skirt underwent some noticeable changes. Instead of the full gathered skirt of the early and mid-19th century, the trend toward a more fitted and tailored look continued. The skirts of the 1890’s are cut in gores (triangular shaped vertical panels) of either 5, 7, or 9 panels. This produces a very fitted waist and hip area with trumpet shaped fullness at the hemline.
In the early 1890’s the large gathered sleeves returned. At this time they were called “Leg-O-Mutton” sleeves although for really huge, spectacular specimens, my mother and I came up with the term, “Leg-O-Rhinoceros”. Round capes were often worn over bodices with these sleeves. After 1895 the fullness decreased somewhat, although the puffy shoulders remained.

This outfit consists of a black linen skirt with 7 gores, and a cotton plaid bodice in green, off white, and black. The bodice is trimmed with black silk chevrons. The skirt is trimmed with rows of satin ribbon. It is shown with the 1890’s Gainsborough Hat.  It is made with the Old World Enterprises Gibson Girl Dress pattern still available from James Country Mercantile.