Most historical garments acquired by the Gallery lack their original undergarments. This necessitates intimate investigations in order to achieve the correct silhouette (and make the right impression) for the purposes of display. While major stylistic changes in Victorian women’s fashions give general clues to the shapes required underneath, detailed knowledge of construction techniques and pattern-making practices are also essential to make the works sit correctly. Sometimes size is also a challenge, and many works require strategically placed padding to fill out the garment to its original wearer’s proportions.