MANTUA (CLOTHING)

A 'Mantua' (from the French ''Manteuil'' ) is an article of women's clothing worn in the late seventeenth century and early eighteenth century. Originally a loose gown, the later mantua was an overgown or robe typically worn over an underdress or stomacher and petticoat.
The mantua featured elbow-length, cuffed sleeves. In the earliest mantuas, the long trained skirt was looped up behind to reveal the petticoat beneath.
From this garment arose the term ''mantua-maker'', an early term for a women's dressmaker.

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See also

References

External references

See also

★ 1650-1700 in fashion

★ 1700-1750 in fashion

References

Janet Arnold: ''Patterns of Fashion 1 (cut and construction of women's clothing, 1660-1860)'' Wace 1964, Macmillan 1972.
(ISBN 0-89676-026-X)

External references

★ Eighteenth century silhouette and support, covering Mantuas, at the Metropolitan Museum

★ Recreation of three mantuas, at Colonial Williamsburg