This well-researched guide traces the evolution of English fashion for men and women through hundreds of illustrations. More than a history of style, it's a dressmaker's delight, filled with scaled-down patterns for 67 authentic costumes.

As an early-20th-century English artist with an interest in historical subjects, Talbot Hughes began collecting clothing for accuracy in his paintings — and the pursuit grew into a labor of love. His magnificent costume collection was eventually displayed in Harrod's and has become a permanent part of the collection of the venerable Victoria and Albert Museum in London. In this well-researched guide, Hughes traces the evolution of English fashions from the grass-cloth wraps of prehistoric times to the luxurious gowns of the Victorian era.
Arranged chronologically and by British reigns, this splendid compilation includes over 300 illustrations of period fashions for men and women and 94 photos of historic garments. Pictured are tunics and tights from the thirteenth century, Elizabethan gowns with starched ruff collars, Charles I cavaliers with lace-collared jackets and breeches, a five-century array of boots and shoes, an assortment of elaborate wigs, embroidered waistcoats, quilted petticoats, plumed headdresses, and other dashing designs of the past. More than a history of British style, it's also a dressmaker's delight, with scaled-down patterns for 67 authentic costumes — and a perfect reference for fashion designers, stylists, and historians.

Introduction to the Dover Edition

Preface

List of Collotype Plates

Introduction

Chapter I

Prehistoric Dress-Female

Prehistoric Dress-Male

Chapter II

The Development of Costume to the Tenth Century-Female

The Development of Costume to the Tenth Century-Male

Chapter III

Tenth to the Fifteenth Century-Female

Tenth to the Fifteenth Century-Male

Chapter IV

Fifteenth Century-Female

Fifteenth Century-Male

Chapter V

Sixteenth Century. Character of Trimmings

Sixteenth Century. Henry VIII-Female

Sixteenth Century. Henry VIII-Male

Sixteenth Century. The Reigns of Edward VI and Mary-Female

Sixteenth Century. Elizabeth-Female

Sixteenth Century. Elizabeth-Male

Chapter VI

The Character of Trimmings through the Seventeenth Century

James I

Charles I

The Commonwealth

Charles II

James II and William and Mary

Seventeenth Century. James I-Female

Seventeenth Century. James I-Male