What is mother hubbard dresses?

Mother Hubbard dresses are a type of loose-fitting, full-length dress that was popular in the late 19th century. They were named after the character Mother Hubbard, a nursery rhyme figure known for her shapeless and oversized clothing. The dresses were often made from lightweight fabrics such as cotton or linen, and featured wide, long sleeves and a high neckline. They were typically worn with a corset underneath to provide shaping.

Mother Hubbard dresses were most commonly worn by women of the working class, as they were comfortable and practical for performing household tasks, as well as for outdoor work. They were also popular among women in rural areas.

Over time, the style of Mother Hubbard dresses evolved to include more decorative elements, such as ruffles and lace trim, and were sometimes made from more luxurious fabrics such as silk. In the 1920s, Mother Hubbard dresses fell out of fashion as more modern and form-fitting styles became popular. Today, they are a historical curiosity and are sometimes worn for period reenactments or theatrical productions.