Dresses

The hemline of dresses can be as high as the upper thigh or as low as the ground, depending on the whims of fashion and the modesty or personal taste of the wearer. Dresses increased dramatically to the hoopskirt and crinoline-supported styles of the 1860s; then fullness was draped and drawn to the back. Their use can run contrary to the individual or wider public sense of modesty and decency, especially given their potential to intentionally or accidentally expose the wearer s underwear or lack of.

Dresses are often used by young girls and as more formal attire by adult women. Potential drawbacks of dresses include being either too long or cumbersome for the performance of some physical activities such as climbing stairs or ladders. Dresses are sometimes worn with tights, footless tights, bike shorts or capri, or ankle length leggings. On top, one usually wears a bra, but for modesty wearing a camisole or full slip is also an option. .

Dresses had a day bodice with a high neckline and long sleeves, and an evening bodice with a low neckline (decollete) and very short sleeves. Throughout this period, the length of fashionable dresses varied only slightly, between ankle-length and floor-sweeping. Depending on design dresses are classified. In addition, some dress styles, particularly those with back closures, can be difficult or even impossible to don or remove without assistance. Dresses however can be cooler and less confining than many trouser styles, and they are still very popular for special occasions such as proms or weddings. Dresses are, like other outer clothing, usually worn with underwear.

Different basic dress shapes are: In Europe and America, dresses are worn by females of all ages as an alternative to a separate skirt and blouse or trousers. A wearer of a dress is likely to wear a form of panties as innerwear, though depending on the occasion, type of material, and type of skirt for modesty one may wear a half slip (also called a underskirt) over the panties.

A dress (also frock, gown) is a garment consisting of a skirt with an attached bodice or with a matching bodice giving the effect of a one-piece garment. In Western culture, dresses are usually considered women s clothing.