Fichu

A fichu (/ˈfiːʃuː/, from the French "thrown over") is a large, square kerchief worn by women to fill in the low neckline of a bodice.

Descriptive drawing.

Description

It originated in the United Kingdom in the 18th century and remained popular there and in France through the 19th with many variations,^[1] as well as in the United States.^[2] The fichu was generally of linen fabric and was folded diagonally into a triangle and tied, pinned, or tucked into the bodice in front.

A fichu is sometimes used with a brooch to conceal the closure of a décolleté neckline. The fichu can thus be fastened in the front, or crossed over the chest. The cross-over fichu sometimes extended all the way to the back. Some models include a large over-the-shoulders back piece.^[3]

The fichu found in several traditional cultures resembles a poncho that covers only the shoulders and chest.

Gallery

• 
  Elizabeth Sewall Salisbury wears an embroidered fichu pinned at the neck, 1789.
• 
  Jeune femme au fichu blanc, between 1790 and 1800
• 
  American or European, cotton, mid-19th century.
• 
  Probably American, cotton, mid-19th century.
• 
  French, silk, mid-19th century.
• 
  British, linen, knotted, mid-19th century.
• 
  American or European, silk, mid-19th century.
• 
  Fichu en indienne, traditionally worn in the Comtat Venaissin.

See also

• 1700–1750 in fashion
• 1750–1795 in fashion
• Cravat
• Kerchief
• Neckerchief
• Pañuelo