Stomacher

A stomacher was worn by women primarily between the 1670s and 1780s. It was a triangular piece of fabric that filled the gap at the front of a gown. Stomachers could be made of material matching or contrasting with the gown and petticoat. Many were highly decorative, as in this example, richly embroidered with coloured silks in a design of flowers , birds and figure in exotic costume. It also features non-functional lacing of silver braid.