In the Tudor time, a distinctive women’s dress was the farthingale, or verdengale in the English language. It helped to make the waist appear even smaller while also concealing the hips. In Spain, the style was established and it is believed that Catherine of Aragon travelled to England, where she married Arturo Tudor before marrying the future King Henry VIII.
In the Tudor age, when the skirts were relatively narrow compared to the fashions of the following centuries
There were circular hoops made of whale bone, thread, or wood that were sewed into this petticoat. They created a bell-shaped cage that separated the skirt from the rest of the body as they grew in size from the waist to the ground.
Princess Elizabeth’s records from 1545 describe an farthingale made of Bruges crimson satin, which is considered to be one of the oldest known references to this item in the United Kingdom.
When it first appeared, it was enormously popular, and it was worn by ladies of all social strata. The ” bum roll “, a roll of padding that was wrapped around the waist, was a less complicated option. As the usage of padding made the feminine shape appear more abnormal, the garments became significantly more unpleasant to wear.
The farthingale was popularised by the French, who spread the fashion throughout Europe as a result. It’s interesting to remember that fashion in Europe did not recognise national boundaries, even at that time. Royals were married to one another, and a queen or princess from another country brought new fashions and tastes with her. Even without the internet or television, fashion was an European phenomenon.
Because Tudor-era families tended to be big, women were often pregnant for a significant portion of their lives, and the restricting impact of tight bodices and thin waistlines may have contributed to the high rate of maternal and newborn mortality during this period.
