Winter Drawers

[Ginefur4]

With the change in seasons upon us, I am hoping to find out what type of drawers ladies would have worn during the winter. Did the fabric change from cotton to something a little warmer during the cold season? Was flannel or something similar an option?

Thank you for help anyone has to offer.
Jennifer

[Mark Wadsworth]

I have looked at a few magazines from the 1860's. Red flannel drawers were very poplar back then. You don't see any reenactress's wearing any of them today. The only analogy I can come up with for the Red flannel drawers is to compare them to Victoria's Secret to day.

[blue_zouave]

Mark, if you are close enough to see a lady's drawers, I'd opine that you are too close!

Yes, flannel was used for warm underclothing in the 1860s. I myself was known to wear flannel underclothing in tender youth, provided by my ever-practical grandmother!

Zou

[Mark Wadsworth]

Well I have wrapped my tape measure about more then one woman. I can't get any usable numbers over a hoop skirt. Every now and then a woman walks in to my tent wanting a pair of trousers for them selves. In many cases I will take a custom order for them.

[blue_zouave]

That does put a different light on it. You're in that enviable position of being able to suggest authentic wares before people buy them.

It's a joke in my unit about being too close if you can see the buttons on our drawers.

Zou

[Ginefur4]

Would the flannel you refer to be the same as flannel we have today or at least close? If not, what would be comparable?

Thanks,
Jennifer

[CWSeamstress]

Hi Jennifer, great to see you posting here. I look forward to finding out the answers to your post. I am working on my winter wear too, not to mention I have to make a whole new wardrobe for myself ! Have you made a quilted under petticoat yet? There is an original wool one on eBay that goes out today I think. Look forward to seeing you at Jeb. Sarah

[Mark Wadsworth]

Originally Posted by Ginefur4

Would the flannel you refer to be the same as flannel we have today or at least close? If not, what would be comparable?

Thanks,
Jennifer

It was passed on to me to use diaper flannel. I am not sure what that is.

[blue_zouave]

I googled the term and found several websites which sell diaper flannel. Yes indeedy, this is what the environmentally conscious use to diaper their babies! From what I can tell on the descriptions, this is a medium weight double-napped flannel, as opposed to the heavier weight outing flannel. Plain red or white would probably be the best choice... certainly no pastel bunnies.

Zou

[southern_belle1861]

Oh I have been wanting to make a quilted petticoat! I found one from the 50's thats really pretty.
I have also been wondering about this subject. But, alas, I would have nowhere to wear them down south.