What would you have worn if you lived in the Old West? It depends on who you were! For example, Native Americans made clothing from rabbit fur, deerskins, buffalo hides, and plant fibers. They decorated their clothing with beads, porcupine quills, fringe, and feathers. However, cowboy gear included leather chaps, boots, and bandanas. Cowboys used their tall, wide-brimmed hats for protection from sun and rain and sometimes to carry water. Read more about fashions of the Old West—from buckskins to sunbonnets to sombreros—in this fascinating book!

Looks at the different modes of dress in the American West from the 1840s to the 1890s, examining the clothing and accessories of Native Americans, early pioneers, and the men and women of different social classes.

Taking a global, multicultural, social, and economic perspective, this work explores the diverse and colourful history of human attire. From prehistoric times to the age of globalization, articles cover the evolution of clothing utility, style, production, and commerce, including accessories (shoes, hats, gloves, handbags, and jewellery) for men, women, and children. Dress for different climates, occupations, recreational activities, religious observances, rites of passages, and other human needs and purposes - from hunting and warfare to sports and space exploration - are examined in depth and detail. Fashion and design trends in diverse historical periods, regions and countries, and social and ethnic groups constitute a major area of coverage, as does the evolution of materials (from animal fur to textiles to synthetic fabrics) and production methods (from sewing and weaving to industrial manufacturing and computer-aided design). Dress as a reflection of social status, intellectual and artistic trends, economic conditions, cultural exchange, and modern media marketing are recurring themes. Influential figures and institutions in fashion design, industry and manufacturing, retail sales, production technologies, and related fields are also covered.

Looks at the different modes of dress in America in the colonial period, from the garments and accessories worn by different Native American groups to the fashions at the time of the American Revolution.

Looks at the different modes of dress in America in the mid twentieth century, from every day clothes to high fashion.