In-depth look at the Empire line dress.

The empire line dress or better known as the apron or high stomacher dress hey complex construction in which the bodice was sewn to the skirt at the back only. Side front seams were left open to several inches below the waist and a band or string was located at the front of the waste of the skirt. The lady slipped a garment overhead putting her arms to the sleeves and then tied the way string around the back like an apron. The bodice often had a pair of under flaps that pinned across the chest supporting the bust. In modern times zippers and fasteners such as hook and eye closures are used to get in and out of most female garments such as the empire line. Often elaborate embroidery was used on empire line dresses. Just like the princess line the empire line dresses are most commonly seen in modern times in bridal wear.