A Victorian woman started her marathon dressing session with a pair of drawers. Drawers were most often split (crotchless) and about knee length. Some drawers aren’t split, and it makes you wonder how they worked, since they were under all the other layers. Many times you’ll see drawers referred to as bloomers, pantalets, or even pantaloons, which are really men’s pants. Beginning around the 1920s, drawers morphed into tap pants, which had much shorter legs and a closed crotch.

1880 Ivory Cotton Drawers

1880 Ivory Cotton Drawers

Pin Tucks & Lace at Hem

 

1890 Ivory Cotton Drawers

1890 Ivory Cotton Drawers

Crochet Lace & Pink Ribbon on Legs

 

1890 White Cotton Drawers

1890 White Cotton Drawers

Pin Tucks on Legs

 

1890 White Cotton Drawers

1890 White Lawn Drawers

Peach Ribbons on Legs

 

1900 White Cotton Drawers

1895 White Cotton Drawers

Eyelet Trim on Legs

 

1900 White Cotton Drawers

1900 White Cotton Drawers

French with Loads of Lace

 

1911 White Cotton Drawers

1911 White Cotton Drawers

Crocheted Lace on Legs

 

1910 White Cotton Drawers

1912 White Cotton Drawers

Monogram on Leg

 

1915 White Cotton Drawers

1915 White Cotton Drawers

Inset Looped Lace & Floral Embroidery

 

1918 3 Piece Lingerie Set

1918 3 Piece Lingerie Set

Corset Cover, Drawers, & Petticoat

 

1930 Black Bra & Tap Pants

1930 Black Silk Bra and Tap Pants

Sheer, with Art Deco Embroidery

 

1930 Peach Silk Tap Pants

1930 Peach Silk Tap Pants

Embroidery, Mother of Pearl Buttons

 

1930 Peach Silk Tap Pants

1931 Peach Silk Tap Pants

Applique and Inset Lace

 

1930 Peach Silk Tap Pants

1932 Peach Silk Tap Pants

Floral Embroidery

 

1940 Black Rayon Tap Pants

1940 Black Rayon Tap Pants

Sheer, Lace on Legs