Stomachers from the Musée Des Arts Décoratifs, Paris

Stomachers were the decorative centre panels of dresses worn in the 17th and 18th centuries. They could be used to cover up necessary bodice fastenings; to update a tired dress; to make it special for a certain occasion; to conceal a busk; and to save a dress when unaoidable eating accidents happened! Sometimes as in the last example they still have the tabs on either side for pinning or stitching onto the main bodice of the dress.

These lovely stomachers are in the Musée Des Arts Décoratifs, Paris. To see more embroidered items in the collection click here.