Dating Ancestor Photos Through Clothing

There are many variations of clothing for women over the years. The Civil War period is possibly the easiest to identify. Children were usually dressed as miniature adults. Men are more difficult to date as fashion did not change as much or as often as women.

Civil War Era Fashions are featured on Lost Faces, with more detailed descriptions and photos of men, women and children during this time period.

Dating a photo precisely requires much attention to detail and in-depth knowledge of fashions and hairstyles. To help identify a decade when a photo was taken, here is a very brief outline for women's fashion:

1840s:
V-effect bodice
Low waistline
Sleeves long and tight, flaring at wrists, often with frilly lace at edges
Bell shaped skirt

1850s:
v-shaped pointed waistline
sometimes had a V yoke effect
high neckline, round collar
pagoda sleeve
full skirt, often had tiers or ruffles

1860s
Dropped shoulders
natural waistline for skirt
full sleeves, slightly curved
wide skirt with crinoline

1870s
bodice very long
high neckline, band collar
long sleeves, often flared
skirt with drapery effect, bustle-effect

1880s
high neckline, high band collar
sleeves fitted and tight
bustle had a "shelf"
narrow skirt

1890s
large puffed sleeves narrowing to tight fit on lower arms
fitted, choke-collared bodice
skirt backs full, falling into a train
skirt fronts fall naturally from waist