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Pantalettes are undergarments covering the legs worn by women, girls, and
very young boys (before they were breeched) in the early- to mid-nineteenth
century.
A form of leggings or long drawers, pantalettes originated in France in the
early 19th century, and quickly spread to Britain and America. Pantalettes could
be one-piece or two separate garments, one for each leg, attached at the waist
with buttons or laces. They were most often of white linen fabric and could be
decorated with tucks, lace, cutwork or broderie anglaise.
Ankle-length pantalettes for women were worn under the crinoline and hoop skirt
to ensure that the legs were modestly covered. Pantalettes for children and
young girls were mid-calf to ankle-length and were intended to show under their
shorter skirts.
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