In the 19th century women’s underwear carried on the purposes it had served in earlier times. The chemise protected the clothing from the body in an age when daily bathing was not customary. It was the first garment put on when getting dressed. By the 1860s the chemise was made of cotton instead of linen. This example has insertions at the bust line to accommodate the shape of the corset. It also has buttons on which to attach an extension for the sleeve to adapt the chemise from evening to daywear.