Stomacher

By Crusader1307

Another component piece of fashion that evolved from "Vanity Apparel", The Stomacher was used in Woman's fashion from the 15th thru 18th Century. The Stomacher was designed to cover the front of a Bodice or Corset. They were used to provide "modesty" in reaction to any exposed Female breasts. The Stomacher was a triangular piece of cloth, that laced onto the front of various low plunging dress fronts. Originally quite simple, they quickly became fashion marks. Often highly decorated with brocade and jewels, they would eventually become the center point of a Woman's dress. By the 18th Century, Stomachers were very popular among Wealthier Class English and Colonial American Ladies. By this time they were more rectangular in design. They were also known as "Plackets".