Woman's Smock 1575-1585

Women's Garment Myths

Myth: English smocks are sexy garments to be seen by everyone, have drawstring necklines and wrists, and are worn off the shoulder.

English smocks cover the body and are usually square necked or up to a collar. They do not hang off the shoulders. They were worn to protect the outer garments from the dirty skin.

English smocks are not gathered with drawstrings at the neck or wrists.

A couple of images of possible drawstring chemises were found, and they were both Italian. More info on Italian vs English smocks at http://costume.dm.net/chemise.html

The following is taken from Drea Leed's site on the above smock:

Woman's smock 1575-1585
Museum no. T.113
This smock is of fine white linen, embroidered with black silk (probably from Spain, according to the V&A) in stem, back and darning stitches with buttonhole fillings. The body and sleeves were made of a very fine silk, while the skirt (now missing--what's seen in the picture is a modern replacement) was made of a coarser linen. The lace is also a modern reproduction, copied from a period piece.

Leed, Drea. Shirts and Smocks at the V&A Museum [Article] ©2000. Dayton, OH: Author. Retrieved March 20, 2006 from the World Wide Web http://costume.dm.net/va/smocks.html