SKU: 66235924044
what is an empire waist dress

what is an empire waist dress 215 Empire Dress

Sale price$20.20 Regular price$22.44
Save 10%
Size: 4

Pay in installments of $5.61 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 29 - Aug 3

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

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."

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 66235924044

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell what is an empire waist dress

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.5 ★★★★★
Based on 26 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Nice and sturdy
Color: Grey, Size: Wheel-8 Panel
Good privacy wall
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2026
S
Verified Purchase
Steven J.
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 1
Super Low Quality/Unacceptable QC
Color: Black, Size: Wheel-6 Panel
I spent probably about an hour putting it together, only to take it right back apart and pack it up to return. The dimples for half the poles were on the wrong side (double and triple checked to make sure they couldn't be spun around. The threaded ends for the wheels were freely spinning on all but 2 wheels, making it impossible to actually tighten them fully. Once it was all put together, the screens could not be folded up to neatly put it aside when not in use. All in all, this was shamefully low quality for the money spent.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2024
M
Verified Purchase
Miriam Avila Sanchez
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Needed for Sunday School
Color: Grey, Size: Wheel-6 Panel
This was purchase to divide two Sunday school children classes. It works wonderful, big enough, sturdy and with wheels, so is easy to move. Thanks God we can find everything in amazon.com. Delivery was fast and perfect. Thank you .
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2024
M
Verified Purchase
Melissa P
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 3
Not as tall as anticipated
Color: Black, Size: Wheel-6 Panel
Definitely not 6 feet tall, more like 5 1/2. Very sturdy and the fabric is thick. Works well for what we're using it for.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2025
V
Verified Purchase
Vickie Dovel
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Easy to put together
Color: Grey, Size: Wheel-6 Panel
Love them
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2025

recommand products