18th Century Women in Stays

Last updated: Jan 7, 2024

Women are occasionally depicted only in their stays in some situations where they have not had time to dress completely, or perhaps they have taken off their gowns to work on a particularly messy task. To some extent, this may parallel images of men just wearing waistcoats.

(I am leaving off regional/folk costumes with bodices, as well as somewhat more idealized or stylized depictions by Wheatley and others.)

A page on 18th century women’s stays is available elsewhere on this site; there is also a page on women who clearly are not wearing stays.

• Two girls seated by Paul Sandby
• Study of three women by Paul Sandby
• The Merchant Taylors, 1749
• At Sandpit Gate by Paul Sandby, c. 1752
• A kitchen scene by Paul Sandby, c. 1754
• View of the Round and Devil’s Towers, Windsor Castle by Paul Sandby, c. 1770
• The Profligate Punished by Neglect by Edward Penny, 1774
• The Liberty of the Subject by James Gillray, 1779
• Camp in Hyde Park, London, 1785
• Morning: Higglers Preparing for Market by George Morland, 1791