Lady Helena Snakeborg, Colonna Family Child

Women's Garment Myths

Myth: All bodices are tight laced for a smaller waist line, and must lace up the back.

The bodice was fitted to the body, but not meant to be tight-laced for a smaller waist. The visual effect appears slimming in the waist, because of the decorations on the upper chest area, visual lines emphasizing a longer torso, and then the width of the farthingale skirt.

The outer gown or doublet opening was often down the front, with perhaps side, or side-back lacing.

In the image above left, you can see it opens down the front with probably hook and eye closures. You can also see her square necked smock (chemise), which is under the flower embroidered partlet with matching pair of sleeves. It is unlikely that the sleeves are actually attached to the partlet, but possible.

The child above right shows side-back lacing.

Lady Helena Snakeborg, Marchioness of Northampton, by an artist of the British School, 1569.
Detail from The Colonna Family, by Scipione Pulzone, 1581.