what is an empire waist dress 215 Empire Dress
SKU: 41536469218
what is an empire waist dress

what is an empire waist dress 215 Empire Dress

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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."

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SKU: 41536469218

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Mike Summers
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Great shoes
Size: 5 Big Kid, Color: Navy/Blue
Loved them but bought a size too small so had to buy another pair…my bad 🤦🏽‍♀️
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Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2026
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The Pacific Northwesterners
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 4
Comfortable and Easy to Wear Daily
Size: 2 Little Kid, Color: Navy/Blue
My daughter has been wearing these navy/blue shoes since the weather has been less rainy and more sunny. They are great for outdoor play, especially on days when it's warm outside. The knit mesh upper keeps her feet from overheating, and the cushioned insole feels supportive without being stiff. At size 2, the fit is accurate and the width runs a bit roomy, which gave her some growing room without feeling loose. The slip-on design with elastic laces and pull tabs is a real plus. She can get them on and off without any help, which she loves. The shoes are light enough that she barely notices them during long active days. My one small complaint is that the sole feels more like firm foam than rubber, so they can be a little slippery on smooth indoor floors. For the price, these deliver solid everyday value. They look good, hold up well to regular use, and my daughter reaches for them first most mornings. Pros: - Breathable mesh keeps feet cool - Easy slip-on design with elastic laces and pull tabs - Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear - Accurate sizing with a roomy width - Durable for the price Cons: - Sole can be slippery on hard smooth surfaces - Limited outsole grip compared to rubber-soled shoes
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Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2026
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DR
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Great kids' shoe — easy on, comfy all day
Size: 3 Little Kid, Color: Pink/Lavender
My kid has been wearing these for a few weeks now and I'm genuinely impressed with how well they've held up. The knit mesh upper keeps feet cool and comfortable during long days at school and outdoor play, and the cushioned EVA midsole does a great job absorbing impact. What really won me over is the slip-on design with elasticated laces and dual pull tabs — my child can put them on and take them off completely independently, which is a huge win. The fit is snug but not tight, and they run a bit roomy in width, which is great for kids with wider feet or those who need a little growing room. At $32, the quality feels solid for the price. Lightweight, breathable, and easy to wear — these check all the boxes for an everyday kids' shoe.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2026
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Melissa
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Cute, Comfortable, Light-Weight Shoes, Perfect for School
Size: 11 Little Kid, Color: Pink/Lavender, Size: 11 Little Kid, Color: Pink/Lavender
These have turned out to be great everyday shoes for my 5 year old. She normally wears a size 10, but since that size wasn’t available, I ordered the 11 expecting her to grow into them. I was pleasantly surprised that they already fit her pretty well. There’s still a little extra room in the toe area, but the shoes fit securely around her ankles so they don’t feel loose or slip off while walking or playing. She says they’re very comfortable and loves how easy they are to slip on by herself. The lightweight design is nice for everyday wear, and they’ve held up well so far despite being worn almost daily. They've become her favorite shoes to wear! Also the pink/lavender color is really pretty in person. Overall, I’m very happy with them and would order again.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2026
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Amazon customer
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Great shoe well made
Size: 13 Little Kid, Color: Pink/Lavender, Size: 13 Little Kid, Color: Pink/Lavender
Really good shoes at a fair price. My daughter loves the pink and purple gradient colors. Really beautiful. Shoes have proven themselves very durable. She's been wearing these a few times a week for the last couple months and they still look new aside from some dirt stains. Fit perfectly. Very comfortable. This is always her first pick in the morning when she's getting dressed. Good breathability you can wear these in hot summer weather without sweaty feet. Versatile shoe looks good enough to wear out and about or exercise in.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2026

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