What Irish Working Women Wore in the Late 19th Century | I Made the Clothing of My Irish Ancestors

As a proud Irish American woman, I have always been deeply interested in my heritage and the traditions of my ancestors. One aspect of Irish history that has always fascinated me is the clothing that working women wore in the late 19th century. When I came across a video titled “What Irish Working Women Wore in the Late 19th Century”, I was immediately drawn to it and knew that I had to watch it.

The video, which was created by a talented costume designer, showcased the various garments and accessories that Irish women wore while working in fields, factories, and other labor-intensive jobs during this time period. As I watched the video, I was struck by the beauty and simplicity of the clothing, as well as the practicality of the garments in relation to the women’s work.

Inspired by the video, I decided to take on the challenge of making the clothing of my Irish ancestors. I wanted to pay homage to these hardworking women and gain a deeper understanding of their lives and experiences through the clothes they wore. In this article, I will share with you my journey of recreating the clothing of Irish working women from the late 19th century.

Research and Inspiration

Before I began creating the clothing, I knew that I needed to do thorough research on the fashion trends and typical attire of Irish working women in the late 19th century. I spent countless hours scouring historical books, photographs, and articles to gain a better understanding of the clothing styles of the time.

One of the key sources of inspiration for me was the video “What Irish Working Women Wore in the Late 19th Century”. The costume designer in the video provided valuable insights into the types of fabrics, colors, and designs that were popular among Irish working women during this period. I took note of the practicality of the clothing, as well as the attention to detail and craftsmanship that went into creating each garment.

I also studied historical documents and images of Irish women working in fields, factories, and domestic settings to get a sense of how the clothing was worn and styled. The photos and illustrations gave me a glimpse into the daily lives of these women and helped me to envision the kind of outfits they would have worn.

Materials and Construction

Armed with a wealth of research and inspiration, I began the process of creating the clothing of Irish working women from the late 19th century. I sourced high-quality fabrics that were similar to those used during the period, such as linen, wool, and cotton. I paid close attention to the colors and patterns that were popular at the time, opting for earth tones and simple designs that reflected the practical nature of the clothing.

I started with the basics, creating a simple linen blouse and skirt that would have been worn by a working woman in the fields or on a farm. I focused on the construction techniques that were typical of the time, such as hand-sewn seams and gathered sleeves. I paid attention to the details, adding pintucks and lace trim to give the garments a touch of femininity.

Next, I tackled the outerwear, creating a wool shawl and bonnet that would have provided warmth and protection from the elements. I researched traditional Irish knitting patterns and techniques to knit the shawl, and I carefully selected a soft wool fabric for the bonnet. I added embellishments such as ribbon ties and embroidered flowers to give the accessories a personal touch.

Reflection and Connection

As I completed the clothing of my Irish ancestors, I felt a deep sense of connection to the women who came before me. Through my research and re-creation of their garments, I gained a greater appreciation for their strength, resilience, and hard work. I thought about the challenges they faced and the sacrifices they made to provide for their families and communities.

Wearing the clothing that I had made, I felt a sense of pride and empowerment. I imagined myself walking in the shoes of these Irish working women, facing the same struggles and triumphs that they did. I thought about how far we have come as a society, yet how much we still have in common with our ancestors in terms of perseverance and determination.

The clothing of Irish working women from the late 19th century is a testament to their ingenuity and creativity. Despite limited resources and challenging conditions, these women found ways to make do with what they had and create beautiful, functional garments that reflected their heritage and culture. By re-creating their clothing, I feel that I have paid homage to their legacy and honored their memory in a meaningful way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the video “What Irish Working Women Wore in the Late 19th Century” was a source of inspiration for me to reconnect with my Irish heritage and explore the clothing of my ancestors. Through research, materials, and construction, I was able to re-create the garments worn by Irish working women during this time period, gaining a deeper understanding of their lives and experiences.

I hope that my journey of making the clothing of Irish working women has inspired you to learn more about your own heritage and the traditions of your ancestors. By honoring the past and connecting with our roots, we can gain a greater appreciation for the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us, and find a sense of pride in our shared history.

source