New Books Network Hilary Davidson, "A Guide to Regency Dress: from Corsets and Breeches to Bonnets and Muslins? (Yale UP 2025)
Dec 22, 2025
Hilary Davidson, a noted dress and textile historian, shares her extensive insights on Regency fashion in a new illustrated guide. She explains the intricate details of male and female wardrobes, including corsets, breeches, and bonnets. Davidson debunks common myths, like the disappearance of petticoats, and highlights the signaling of social status through fabric choices. Quirky anecdotes, such as brandy-pouring boots and false calves, reveal the amusing side of Regency dress. She also hints at her next project focusing on shoes.
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A Practical Field Guide To Regency Dress
- Hilary Davidson created an accessible, image-rich guide to Regency dress that condenses 18 years of research for broad audiences.
- The book functions like a field guide/dictionary to identify garments, fabrics, and how items were worn together.
Use The Book As A Look-Up Reference
- The book is organized into five thematic chapters with alphabetized headwords and variant spellings for quick lookup.
- Use the introductions for context and the dictionary entries for precise definitions and practical guidance.
How Regency Dressing Was Layered
- Typical Regency dressing stacked linen next-to-skin garments, stays/corsets, stockings, petticoats, then gowns with accessories overtop.
- Men likewise layered shirts, drawers, breeches or trousers, waistcoat, coat, then outerwear and hat depending on activity.