<P> Sleeves Sleeves were tightly fit during the early Victorian era . It matched with the tight fit women's small waist in the design, and the shoulder sleeve seamline was drooped more to show a tighter fit on the arm . This eventually limited women's movements with the sleeves . However, as crinolines started to develop in fashion, sleeves turned to be like large bells which gave the dress a heavier volume . Engageantes, which were usually made of lace, linen, or lawn, with cambric and broderie anglaise, were worn under the sleeves . They were easy to remove, launder and restitch into position, so to act as false sleeves, which was tacked to the elbow - length sleeves during the time . They commonly appear under the bell - shaped sleeves of day dresses . </P> <P> Silhouette Silhouette changed over time supported by the evolution of the undergarment . In earlier days, wide skirts were supported by fabrics like linen which used horsehair in the weave . Crinolines were used to give skirts a beehive shape, with at least six layers petticoats worn under the skirt, which could weigh as much as fourteen pounds . Later, the cage crinoline was developed . Women were freed from the heavy petticoats, and were able to move their legs freely beneath the cage . Silhouette later began to emphasise a slope toward the back of the skirt . Polonaise style was introduced where fullness bunched up at the back of the skirt . Crinolines and cages also started to disappear with it being more dangerous to working class women . Tournures or bustles were developed . </P> <P> During the start of Queen Victoria's reign in 1837, the ideal shape of the Victorian woman was a long slim torso emphasised by wide hips . To achieve a low and slim waist, corsets were tightly laced and extended over the abdomen and down towards the hips . A chemise was commonly worn under the corset, and cut relatively low in order to prevent exposure . Over the corset, was the tight - fitting bodice featuring a low waistline . Along with the bodice was a long skirt, featuring layers of horsehair petticoats worn underneath to create fullness; while placing emphasis on the small waist . To contrast the narrow waist, low and straight necklines were thus used . </P> <P> In the 1840s, collapsed sleeves, low necklines, elongated V - shaped bodices, and fuller skirts characterised the dress styles of women . </P>

What fabrics were used in the victorian era