Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ʃɛˈmiːzɛt/

Definitions

• Noun: A woman's undergarment or small garment, often worn as a collar or decorative piece, typically under a dress or blouse.
• Noun (historical): A short-sleeved or sleeveless garment worn by women, often as an underlayer, common in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Noun (in modern fashion): A lightweight, often decorative piece of clothing that covers only part of the upper torso, resembling a collar or upper chest cover, worn for modesty or style.

Usage Examples

• "She wore a delicate chemisette under her dress to add a touch of elegance."
• "The chemisette, made of lace, added a vintage flair to the outfit."
• "In the Victorian era, women commonly wore chemisettes under their gowns for modesty."

Etymology

The word "chemisette" is a diminutive form of the French word "chemise," which means shirt or undergarment. The word "chemise" itself comes from the Late Latin "camisia," meaning shirt or nightshirt. The diminutive "chemisette" referred to a smaller, often decorative version of the chemise, typically worn as an accessory or undergarment during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Synonyms

• Undergarment
• Collar
• Top
• Blouse (in certain contexts)
• Shirt (in certain contexts)

Antonyms

• Outerwear
• Jacket
• Coat
• Dress
• Tunic

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "chemisette" remains fairly consistent in French and other European languages. However, in English, some speakers might pronounce it as "she-mi-zet" (or /ʃəˈmiːzɛt/) instead of using the original French pronunciation. Regional accents might also influence the pronunciation slightly depending on the speaker's native language or regional dialect.

Historical Usage

The chemisette originated in the 18th and 19th centuries as part of women's fashion, primarily used as an undergarment or modest covering for the chest. It became popular as a way to add volume or create a fashionable silhouette. The chemisette was typically worn with dresses, providing both coverage and decoration. Over time, its role shifted, and it became less of a functional garment and more of a decorative piece, often seen in Victorian fashion as part of the "empire waist" trend.

Cultural Nuances

The chemisette is mostly associated with historical European fashion, particularly in the Victorian and Edwardian periods. In some cultures, it was seen as a necessity for modesty, while in others, it was more of a stylistic choice. Today, the chemisette is rarely worn in its traditional form but remains a reference point for vintage-inspired fashion trends. It has influenced modern lingerie and even high-fashion designs that incorporate elements of its lace or collared styles.

More Information

The chemisette has mostly faded from everyday use, but it continues to influence both historical and modern fashion. Designers today often turn to past fashions for inspiration, and the chemisette's lace, ruffle, and structured designs are seen in various forms. From vintage-inspired dresses to contemporary fashion shows, the chemisette remains an important piece in understanding the evolution of women's clothing, especially in Western culture.