Farthingale

Definition

A farthingale is a structured undergarment worn in the Western fashion from the late 15th to the 17th centuries, designed to shape and support the skirts of women's dresses. This garment created a distinctive silhouette, characterized by a wide, bell-like form that was achieved through the use of hoops or petticoats. The farthingale not only influenced fashion aesthetics but also reflected the social status and cultural trends of its time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The farthingale originated in Spain and became popular across Europe during the Renaissance, evolving into various styles such as the Spanish farthingale and the French wheel farthingale.
2. Different types of farthingales were used throughout the centuries, including the wheel-shaped farthingale that created a wide silhouette and the more tapered style seen in later periods.
3. The introduction of the farthingale coincided with changes in women's fashion, as it allowed for more elaborate dress designs and decorative details at the hemline.
4. Farthingales were often made from stiffened fabric or included materials like cane or whalebone to hold their shape, influencing how skirts draped and moved.
5. As fashion evolved into the Baroque period, farthingales began to be replaced by other styles like the mantua and eventually faded out in favor of slimmer silhouettes in the 18th century.

Review Questions

• How did the farthingale influence the silhouette of women's fashion during its peak usage?
  • The farthingale dramatically altered the silhouette of women's fashion by adding width and structure to skirts, creating a distinct bell-shaped form. This transformation emphasized the waist and offered an hourglass appearance when combined with corsets. The farthingale not only made a bold fashion statement but also affected how garments were designed and how women moved within them, showcasing an idealized feminine shape prevalent during this era.
• Discuss the evolution of farthingales from their introduction in Renaissance fashion to their decline in Baroque styles.
  • Farthingales first appeared in Renaissance fashion as a means to create volume and support for skirts. Over time, their designs evolved into various forms such as the Spanish and French versions, each contributing to different silhouettes. By the Baroque period, while still present, their prominence began to wane as fashions shifted toward more streamlined shapes, marking a significant change in women's attire and leading to new styles like the mantua that better suited contemporary tastes.
• Evaluate how the farthingale reflects broader social and cultural trends during its period of popularity.
  • The farthingale serves as a reflection of broader social and cultural trends by representing ideals of femininity, status, and wealth during its era. The dramatic silhouettes it created were often associated with high societal standing, as elaborate clothing required significant resources to produce. Additionally, this garment illustrated changing attitudes toward women's roles in society; while it accentuated traditional femininity, it also allowed for greater expression through fashion. Ultimately, the rise and fall of the farthingale encapsulated shifts in gender roles, social hierarchies, and cultural values throughout its history.

Related terms

Hoopskirt: A skirt that incorporates hoops made of steel or plastic to maintain its shape and create volume, often worn under dresses to achieve an exaggerated silhouette.

Petticoat: A woman's undergarment worn beneath a dress or skirt, typically gathered or pleated, which can add volume and shape to the outer garments.

Corset: A tightly fitted undergarment worn to shape and support the torso, often paired with a farthingale to create a desired hourglass figure.