Undersleeves

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of early 19th-century French fashion with *Undersleeves*, a delicate cotton garment from around 1825. Created by an unknown artist, these detachable cuffs were a clever fashion accessory designed to adorn the lower arms beneath fuller outer sleeves. Worn by women of the period, they added layers of refinement and modesty, transforming simple dresses into statements of style. In the 1820s, France led Europe's sartorial trends during the transition from the Empire silhouette to the Romantic era, where voluminous gigot sleeves dominated. Undersleeves like these exempl...