The Baroque

The 17th century (c. 1600–1715): the starched ruff melted into lace falling over the shoulders, ribbons covered clothing, and the court of Louis XIV, later at Versailles, exported fashion to all of Europe. This century also saw the birth of the three-piece men's suit, and the women dressmakers of Paris won the right to their own guild.

How the look evolved: put five stages from the start of the century to its end in order.
The Baroque wardrobe: the garments, names and industries that changed fashion.
Where from? Tell French, Dutch and English dress apart.

You finished the Baroque journey

Era card: the Baroque (c. 1600–1715)

From rigid to flowing: the farthingale and the starched ruff disappeared, replaced by a flat lace collar, shimmering satins that draped softly, and a waistline that first rose and then dropped to a long, pointed bodice.
Versailles, capital of fashion: Louis XIV made elegance part of government. By the 1670s red heels at court were reserved for a chosen circle of nobles, the long periwig signalled majesty, and attending court demanded a constant supply of new clothes.
The French fashion industry: in the 1660s the minister Colbert set up royal lace manufactories, brought in lacemakers from Venice and Flanders and granted them an exclusive privilege in 1665, so that French money would stop flowing to Venetian lace. Fashion had become economic policy.
The three-piece suit: in October 1666 King Charles II of England announced a new court dress of a long coat, a vest (waistcoat) beneath it and breeches, the direct ancestor of the modern men's suit.
Dressmakers and the mantua: on 30 March 1675 Louis XIV granted statutes for an independent guild of Paris women dressmakers (couturières) to make clothes for women and young children; until then male tailors had held a monopoly on the trade. With them spread the comfortable mantua, a gown pleated to fit the body.
Spreading the fashion: fashion dolls sent from Paris to other capitals, and the Mercure galant, founded in 1672, which went on to publish fashion news and fashion plates.

🔓 Ready for Level 2?

Level 2 is free too: deeper games on the same topic, with an optional completion certificate when you finish it.

Start Level 2 →

Bring historical silhouettes into your own designs

Pointed bodices, pleated mantuas and tailored coats all start with a well-cut pattern. Learn pattern making and couture techniques at our atelier in Manchester and use history as inspiration for your own collection.

See workshops Couture and tailoring

Next in the series: The Rococo.
Earlier episodes: The Renaissance · Ancient Egypt · Greece and Rome · The Middle Ages (in Arabic)

More games