19th Century Clothing

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

Part of Crabtree’s Historic Communities series, which now includes 10
titles on topics related to colonial life, these beautifully illustrated
books examine not only the main items of clothing worn by men, women,
and children during the 18th and 19th centuries, but also their shoes,
hats, wigs, hairstyles, and other related accessories such as corsets,
fobs, and canes. Class structure, fabric types and manufacture, and the
evolution of fashions and hygiene habits are also mentioned briefly. In
both books, the many colorful illustrations, a mixture of drawings and
photos, earn top marks for detail and clarity. The photos are of
costumed staff at historical sites and at similar re-enactments, so they
show the clothing in everyday use which is much more meaningful than the
usual costume-book approach of clothing photographed on hangers or
mannequins.

The texts are most appropriate for 8- to 12-year-olds, yet contain
sufficient specific terminology (buffon, patten, calash, muff, etc.) to
make them useful for readers of any age who are looking for a quick
introduction to the subject. The level of detail is targeted at the
intermediate-level student—enough to hold his or her interest without
overwhelming. The detail and historical accuracy (and glossary) make the
books useful reference works; while they are likely to be read initially
for the portrait they paint of their respective eras, these books will
be consulted repeatedly for specific details for school projects,
essays, and the like. They could also serve as a somewhat simplified,
but accurate, quick reference on costume for community drama groups,
fiction writers, and anyone coordinating a historical re-enactment. Both
books conclude with a feature designed to ensure reader involvement: a
brief section of text and photos on how children can dress in the style
of the era. Highly recommended.