By the 1780’s, the style of dress had evolved from…

…a conical top created by stays and hoops to the “pouter pigeon” look with chest thrust forward and the hips back.  this early version of the 100 year later Edwardian “s Monobosum curve” was created by the use of bustle pads and false bums worn under petticoats.

(Sketches: 1780’s stays made the “pouter pigeon” silhouette that would re-emerge 120 years later)