From the 1780s fashion started to allow children their own identity for the first time, giving them a fashion appropriate for their age and no longer a copy of their parents. Plain and printed cottons and linens were used in informal wear that featured boys shirts that opened at the neck and girls dresses with sashes at the waist, allowing the children more freedom of movement than had been seen for a long time. Portraits still show adults in more restrictive garments, and some believe that children's dress may have also influenced the regency gown (chemise gown) that adults came to adopt.

By clicking here you can purchase your own patterns to make regency garments for children. If you do not sew, please contact us at the bottom of the page and we can discuss what you need and would like us to make for you.