About

The following paper is a response to questions people have asked or opinions I have seen stated as fact. Those of us who study costume at length learn early that many commonly held beliefs are wholly untrue or only partially true. As these beliefs are common, false information is often passed without question. There is rarely an easy answer to any question of dress and history and for this reason, I want to give a more lengthy, detailed, and researched account for interpreters and enthusiasts to refer to or start from. I hope that this paper, and this site, can answer many of the questions people have and I welcome any questions you have heard and answers you wish to know.

Common misconceptions about historic costume

The study of costume is based on the most fundamental needs and wants of humans. Since the dawn of time we have worn clothing for many purposes, including warmth, modesty, seduction, show of wealth, social standards, and cultural identity. Clothing has subtly or obviously been a part of every historical event and period, so naturally questions arise. This paper focuses primarily on the fashions and customs of the European and American middle and upper classes in the last three centuries. It is in this time span that dress as we know it today developed.