Where would I find out about 18th century fashion?

Question

If anyone has any good websites or books it would be greatly appreciated. Honestly this is solely for my own knowledge. I am a bit of a history buff.

Answer 1

I've always loved the 18th century! Here is one all-inclusive site around which you can navigate and click onto other links:
http://www.costumes.org/history/100pages/18thlinks.htm#General%20Information
http://www.costumes.org/history/100pages/18thlinks.htm
http://www.costumes.org/history/100pages/18THMOVI.HTM

Also:
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/eudr/hd_eudr.htm
http://dept.kent.edu/museum/costume/bonc/3timesearch/tseighteenth/1700-1799.html
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Acres/7631/costume6.html
http://people.csail.mit.edu/sfelshin/revwar/glossary.html
http://www.siue.edu/COSTUMES/COSTUME12_INDEX.HTML#Plate68
http://www.costumes.org/HISTORY/100pages/18th_century_stays.htm
http://www.costumes.org/HISTORY/100pages/18th_century_stays.htm
http://www.marquise.de/en/1700/howto/frisuren/frisuren.shtml
http://www.englishcountrydancing.org/frenchfashion3.html
http://www.marquise.de/en/1700/index.shtml

There are also miscellaneous sites on accessories like shoes, fans, cosmetics and wigs - I've included some in the above. It's interesting to see how the more delicate and flattering rococo styles of the earlier part of the century developed into the amazing creations of the later half, before they settled down into a more romantic style (very end of period) and turned into the flowing Grecian styles of the Regency. You might also like to look under "Incroyables" and "Merveilleuses" concerning the French Revolution and after, as well as the rich styles of the two Louis.

Answer 2

Try the Museum of Costume, Bath, UK.

Presents a collection of historical English costumes from the 17th to 20th Century.

http://www.museumofcostume.co.uk

Also:
Victoria and Albert Museum, London

http://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/fashion/index.html

Answer 3

The link below is to an article that will give you a start. This link www.costumes.org/history/100pages/18thlinks.htm may be of some interest as well.

Answer 4

hi,
i did see a website on how to make 18th c clothing. unfortunately I no longer know the website.if you type in sewing, dressmaking, patterns,or 'how to make 18c costume' on say ask Jeeves for instance. you may find some info.if i find the web site i will let you know.

Answer 5

I know all about 18th century fashion, in fact I wrote my thesis on it.

Answer 6

I have always like to go to wikipedia.org to look up stuff and 95% of the time, it is usually correct. Good Luck!

Answer 7

Ah, but that would depend on what part of the world you're talking about.

For books, try these sites:
http://www.amazon.com/Eighteenth-Century-French-Fashion-Plates-Color/dp/0486243311

http://www.powells.com/biblio?isbn=0865054924

http://www.kannikskorner.com/books4.htm


However, for some good on-line sites - see below, please.

Answer 8

http://www.englishcountrydancing.org/clothing.html --> try the link for starters