Polonaise (clothing) facts for kids

A polonaise is a special kind of gown or dress that was popular a long time ago. It has a top part called a bodice and a skirt attached to it. What makes a polonaise unique is how its skirt is styled. It often has parts that are cut away, draped, or pulled up to show off a petticoat (an underskirt) worn underneath. This style first became fashionable in the late 18th century.

Polonaise of 1777, showing the draped skirt style.

Polonaise clothing of 1875, a later version of the style.

What is a Polonaise?

A polonaise is a type of dress with a fitted top part, called a bodice, and a full skirt. The most special thing about a polonaise is how its skirt is designed. It often has parts that are pulled up or draped in a fancy way. This creates a stylish look, often showing off a pretty underskirt, called a petticoat, worn beneath it.

History of the Polonaise

The polonaise style first became popular in the late 18th century, around the 1770s and 1780s. During this time, fashion was often inspired by different cultures. The name "polonaise" comes from Poland, and it's thought that the style might have been inspired by Polish national costumes.

18th Century Polonaise

In the 1700s, the polonaise was a very fashionable dress. It usually had a fitted bodice and a skirt that was gathered or pulled up in three main sections. This created a puffed-up, draped look. People often wore these dresses over a petticoat, which added even more fullness and shape. The style was elegant and popular for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Polonaise in the 19th Century

The polonaise style made a comeback in the 19th century, especially in the 1870s and 1880s. This later version was different from the original. Instead of a separate bodice and skirt, the 19th-century polonaise was often a single garment that looked like a coat or an overdress. It was worn over another dress or skirt. These polonaises were often long and fitted, with the skirt part draped or gathered at the back, sometimes over a bustle (a pad worn to puff out the back of a skirt).

Early 20th Century Styles

Even in the early 20th century, around 1914, you could still see influences of the polonaise. Sometimes, a "redingote polonaise" would appear. A redingote is a type of long coat. So, a redingote polonaise was a coat-like dress that kept some of the draped or fitted features of the earlier polonaise styles.

Images for kids

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  Close-bodied gown with the skirt draped à la polonaise, around 1775. LACMA, M.70.85.

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  'Misses' Polonaise Costume,' from September 1883, showing a 19th-century style.

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  A 1914 McCall advertisement featuring a redingote polonaise (left).

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  Polonaise, detail of Jean-Baptiste Pillement's Les Jardins de Benfica, 1785.

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  Jeune Dame ... vêtue en Polonoise, French, Gallerie des Modes, 1779. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 44.1400.

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  The Ladies' Monthly Magazine, May 1868. Green silk dress made à la Polonaise by Madame Prost, Boulevard des Italiens, Paris, shown with two other dresses.

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  Music sheet cover showing Dolly Varden outfits, 1872.

See also

In Spanish: Robe a la polonaise para niños