SHIRTWAIST Meaning and
Definition
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Shirtwaist, also known as shirtwaist dress or blouse and skirt set, refers to a type of women's clothing that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th century. The term "shirtwaist" originates from combining the words "shirt" and "waist," which accurately describes the construction of this garment.
A shirtwaist typically consists of a tailored blouse or shirt-like upper portion, which resembles men's shirts in terms of its collar, cuffs, and button-down front. The lower part often consists of a matching or coordinating skirt, giving the appearance of a two-piece suit or ensemble. Usually, the blouse is designed to be tucked into the waistband of the skirt, emphasizing a more fitted appearance and providing a streamlined silhouette.
Shirtwaists were popularized as a practical and fashionable style choice for women during a time when restrictive corsets were gradually being abandoned. They offered more comfort and freedom of movement compared to the previous era's stiff and cumbersome undergarments. Shirtwaist dresses gained particular popularity in the early 20th century as women sought attire suitable for office work, illustrating a shift towards increased gender equality and workforce participation.
Today, "shirtwaist" may also refer to vintage-style dresses or blouses that pay homage to the original design. In contemporary fashion, the term is used to describe any blouse or dress that resembles the structure and design elements of the traditional shirtwaist style, even if it deviates from historical accuracy.
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Other Common Misspellings for SHIRTWAIST
Etymology of SHIRTWAIST
The word "shirtwaist" is a compound word consisting of two elements: "shirt" and "waist".
1. Shirt:
The term "shirt" originated from the Old English word "scyrte", which later evolved into "scirt". It referred to a garment worn by both men and women during the Middle Ages. The word "shirt" has its roots in Germanic and Old Norse languages, where similar words were used to describe a linen undergarment.
2. Waist:
The word "waist" originated from the Old English word "wæst", which referred to the part of the body between the ribs and the hips. Over time, its meaning expanded to include the part of a garment that covers this area, specifically for women. The word "waist" has Germanic origins and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "wesǭ".
Similar spelling words for SHIRTWAIST
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