Historic Costuming Books
Umbrellas in 1596 by Mary Morris
ISBN: 0-486-29845-0
Available at Alter Years and Amazon Books.
After a Fashion
How to Reproduce, Restore, and Wear Vintage Styles
by Frances Grimble
ISBN 0-9636517-0-6
Copyright 1993 by Frances Grimble
Some people object to this book because Ms. Grimble provides information on how to mend a historic garment, so you can wear it. However, she also provides information on how to do reproduction garments, how to identify what period a garment is from, how not to damage vintage garments or furs, as well as how to safely store vintage garments. Lots of valuable information in this book with clear black and white illustrations.
Corsets and Crinolines
by Norah Waugh
If you want to know what underpinnings are necessary for a silhouette, it is easy to find them in this book. Included are patterns, history notes, and applied construction techniques for petticoats, corsets, bustles, etc. from the year 1670 through 1920. Recommended by Toni Lay.
Men's 17th & 18th Century Costume, Cut & Fashion
by R. I. Davis
Copyright 2000 by Players Press
This book covers men's garments from 1630 to 1800. There are graphs to help in cutting the garments. Photos of actual garments plus detailed drawings and information on decoration, buttons, etc. are all very helpful. There are also photos from films where good reproductions were used (Barry Lyndon, The Madness of King George, etc.). Janice Dallas got it at a discount for about $65. Recommended by Janet Wilson Anderson and Janice Dallas.
Military
Uniforms of the World: A Compendium of Army, Navy, and Air Force Uniforms 1700-1937
by Richard Knotel, Herbert Knotel, and Herbert Sieg
This is the single most comprehensive work on pre-World War II military uniforms I know. In 483 pages, it covers all European and major non-European armed forces, in detail. When I'm beginning to research a European uniform of the period, this is the source I go to first. Recommended by Byron Connell.
Society for Creative Anachronism (S.C.A.)
The S.C.A. re-creates history without the bad parts. Some members do serious research, and others are there for a good time.
The Known World Handbook
Copyright 1979
This is a general introduction into the S.C.A., which re-creates history up to 1600. Essentially, if you can document it, it's allowed. Basic costuming information with some templates on how to do some of the easier costume garments. Also has how to make some armor. In the special thanks to section, I believe that I recognized the names of Bjo and John ap Griffin as the Trimbles.
The Pleasure Book
by Raymond's Quiet Press
ISBN 0-943228-00-X
Copyright 1979 by Raymond's Quiet Press
Another introductory book aimed at the S.C.A., but not an official S.C.A. publication, this book also has quickie armor and clothing templates.
English
English Costume
from the 14th through the 19th Century
by Iris Brooke and James Laver
Copyright 1937
This was one of several volumes. Mostly black and white illustrations, but it does have some color (tinted?) illustrations.
Victorian Costuming
Volume 1: 1840 to 1865
by Janet Winter and Carolyn Savoy
ISBN 0-9630220-1-6
Copyright First Edition November 1980
Clear line drawings show the differences between different periods as well as what children of different ages wore.
Patterns of Fashion 2
Englishwomen's dresses and their construction c. 1860-1940
by Janet Arnold
ISBN 0-89676-027-8 (United States)
Book 1: 1660-1860 ISBN: 0-89676-026-X
Book 2: 1860-1940 ISBN: 0-89676-027-8
Book 3: 1560-1620 ISBN: 0-333-38284-6
Copyright Janet Arnold 1966, 1972
Ms. Arnold went to the museum, took a look at the actual garments, and then drew templates. Garments are graphed, but some of the graphing can be confusing. However, if you want to guarantee historical accuracy of your garment, Ms. Arnold's books are required. From Toni Lay: Englishwomen's dresses and construction. In addition to the studies of dresses with details of their construction and scale patterns, there is a brief history of pattern cutting and dressmaking, composed of extracts from contemporary letters, magazines, and books. Some men's garments are included in Book 3. Recommended by Carole Parker and Toni Lay.
Costume: 1066 - 1966
by John Peacock
ISBN: 0-500-27404-5
This book is an "overview" of English costume, as shown in sketches by John Peacock. Several examples are given for each period, in increments of approximately one decade. One noteworthy feature of this book is that it shows men's fashions as well as women's. A good source book when trying to find the right overall "look" for a period. Recommended by Toni Lay.
Stage
Period Costume for Stage and Screen
Patterns for Women's Dress, Medieval - 1500
ISBN 0-88734-653-7
Copyright 1996 by Jean Hunnisett and Players Press, Inc.
Period Costume for Stage and Screen
Patterns for Women's Dress 1500-1800
ISBN 0-88734-610-3
Copyright Jean Hunnisett, 1991
Period Costume for Stage and Screen
Patterns for Women's Dress 1800-1909
ISBN 0-88734-609-X
Copyright Jean Hunnisett, 1991
Period Costumes for Stage & Screen
Patterns for Outer Garments, Book 1: Cloaks, Capes Stoles and Wadded Mantles
ISBN: 0-88734-665-0
by Jean Hunnisett
All of these books are carefully documented and have lots of pictures, line drawings, and graphed patterns. In the costuming community, Ms. Hunnisett's books are recognized for their excellence. These books show historically accurate garments and patterns.
Stage Costume
Step by Step
The Complete Guide to designing...
by Mary T. Kidd
ISBN 1-55870-406-X
Copyright 1996 Quarto Inc. Reprinted 1998, 1999
It may not be totally historically accurate, but it'll get you the look and feel rather quickly. Lots of photographs, material suggestions, and how to adapt a pattern for multiple uses.
Page maintained by
Carole Parker
