SKU: 66235924044
what is an empire waist dress

what is an empire waist dress 215 Empire Dress

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Description

what is an empire waist dress 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: 66235924044

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Belleville, US
★★★★★ 1
Not great wislity
It lasted 3 hours. Very disappointed
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Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2024
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Ivan P.
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 2
Tall lost Tail
Simba went fishing for a good time, but it looks like the fish toy got hooked on destruction instead - gone in 20 minutes!
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Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2026
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Drew
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 3
Nice toy, but maybe not so durable
This is our second one of these, which really speaks to how much my dog loves it… it’s cute and just the right size for my Vizsla. She absolutely loves playing with it… it’s chewable and has a nice squeaker, but I’m not so sure of its durability. Our first one lasted about a month, and this one just a couple of weeks. The stitching at the tip seems to give away first, then the find. Sadly, you gotta throw it away when you see the first signs of the stuffing.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2025
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Jennifer Ackley
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Good quality for the price
More durable than others. We have an aggressive chewer so I know the squeaker will be destroyed eventually. The fact that it didn't get destroyed day 1 is a positive.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2026
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Roger C Burton
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 1
Go with tough rubber toys---you'll be ALOT happier!!!
This item isn't worth the thread used to make it. Only took my little puppy approx. 45 min. to gnaw the squeaker out!! The edging "tape" didn't last 1/2 that long. NOT good choice for tough teethers!!! I hand sewed damages---no help. For good toys---go with the KONG-type strength---REALLY TOUGH!!!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2026

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