How breathtaking it must have been in Tudor times when your woman regaled herself in glorious finery that we only ever witness now by viewing old paintings or lavish period dramas. And how tantalising it must have been to pursue, seduce and finally undress her, layer by layer, gradually revealing the forbidden vistas of beauty beneath her luxurious gown.
How those fine dresses and clusters of jewels enhanced the allure of our feminine ancestors and how temptingly intoxicating it must have been to take ones pleasure with a blushing lover, dressed to thrill until eventually stripping her by degrees.
The woman of the day may not have worn knickers or bra but she did wear many other unseen garments to protect her modesty and uphold her sensual air of mystery beneath that fine attire; a kirtle or underskirt, a chemise, a farthingale, a bumroll, petticoat, a corset and parlet with short stockings tied at the knee.
The bumroll was a particularly pleasing device, designed to accentuate the hips and allow the gown to flow and sweep with a flourish...delightful.
That demon invention, elastic, was not created until 1820 and not generally used for underwear until the early 20th century, so everything was carefully tied in place.
Just imagine those sweet moments of torture as knot after knot was fumbled-with and after endless moments of anticipation, finally released... what could more keenly sharpen the brooding male appetite? 
imagine the wiff after wearing all those heavy gowns in the summer heat? yikes phoo!
aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh now you are getting close to my heart lol The tudors one of my favourite periods of history. You are right about the layers but did you know they were all in separate pieces, the sleeves were separate to the dress and tied on at the shoulders and underarms, the bodice separate from the skirt, the farthingale separate again and the various underskirts slashed to reveal different colours and materials and textures. They were stiflingly hot and uncomfortable often braced with metal stays rods that made it impossible to overeat without fainting, and reclining was an impossible action. Sorry hun but i will stick to me nightie sitting at the computer typing to my favourite on line man mmwahhh now there is a vision you do not want to retain too long rofl.
mmmmmmmmmmwwahhhhhhh