The article in the August 2006 edition of The Citizen's Companion is a reprint of an article Karen Crocker originally researched over a dozen years ago. Karen will readily agree continuing research indicates there are portions of that article that are not quite correct.
Karen's comments regarding Garibaldis as a garment worn by young ladies is still correct. There is documentation (photographs, primary written sources) of a few mature women wearing the ensemble, however these are VERY fashionable women following the latest style. Continuing research indicates this comment: "Also, they were considered undergarments, just as men's shirts were & were not worn alone. A Garibaldi waist was worn as an ensemble piece with either a Zouave or bolero jacket , or a Swiss bodice" is not correct. Original images of true Garibaldi shirts - colored wool, black braid trim - show them being worn without a jacket. I have several in my files and have examined dozens more. However, a fine white body or waist, similar in cut to a Garibaldi shirt but made from fine white cotton, was frequently worn with a jacket of some style. These white bodies were also worn without a jacket, frequently with a shaped belt, e.g. a Medici waist or Swiss belt (not Swiss bodice as listed in the article). Neither Garibaldi shirts nor white bodies were considered undergarments. Karen's suggest on getting an appropriate one-piece dress and accessorizing it for your needs is still very applicable and very good advice. Regards, Carolann Schmitt www.genteelarts.com Ladies & Gentlemen of the 1860s Conference, March 4-7, 2010 _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
