Clothing & Accessories - Overview
Work, play, fashion, economic class, religious faith, even politics—all these aspects of American life and more are woven into clothing. The Museum cares for one of the nation's foremost collections of men's, women's, and children's garments and accessories—from wedding gowns and military uniforms to Halloween costumes and bathing suits.
The collections include work uniforms, academic gowns, clothing of presidents and first ladies, T-shirts bearing protest slogans, and a clean-room "bunny suit" from a manufacturer of computer microchips. Beyond garments, the collections encompass jewelry, handbags, hair dryers, dress forms, hatboxes, suitcases, salesmen's samples, and thousands of fashion prints, photographs, and original illustrations. The more than 30,000 artifacts here represent the changing appearance of Americans from the 1700s to the present day.
"Clothing & Accessories - Overview" showing 794 items.
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Junior Fire Company Fire Hat
- Description
- Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
- This fire hat was used in Reading, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted red overall, with the “JUNIOR/1813” painted in gold on the front of the hat, and a golden number “2” painted on the back of the hat. The crown of the hat has the word “CAMEL.” painted in gold surrounded by two geometric sunburst patterns. This hat was likely used by a member of the Junior Fire Company that was founded on December 2, 1813 in Reading, Pennsylvania.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1813-1860
- associated
- Junior Fire Company
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0065
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0065
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Kensington Fire Company Fire Hat
- Description
- Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
- This fire hat was used in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted brown overall with golden bands around the top and base. The front of the hat has the golden painted text that reads “KENSINGTON/1791.” There is an encircled number “1” on the back of the hat in gold paint. The crown of the hat bears the owner’s initials “J.F.” painted in gold. The Kensington Fire Company was founded in August of 1791 to serve the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1810-1860
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0066
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0066
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Keystone Hook and Ladder Company Fire Hat
- Description
- Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
- This fire hat was used in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted brown overall with the number “1” painted in gold with a crossed hook and ladder behind the number. The word “Keystone” is painted in gold on a gold-lined banner above the number “1.” The owner’s initials “H.S.G.” can be faintly seen on the back of the hat. “Keystone” was a popular name for companies throughout Pennsylvania, including the Keystone Hook and Ladder Company of Philadelphia, which may have used this hat.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1810-1860
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0067
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0067
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Monroe Fire Company Fire Hat
- Description
- Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
- This fire hat was used in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted red overall, with a large illustration of a rising golden sun on the front of the hat. There is a black banner on the front with large golden letters that read “MONROE.” The back of the hat has the date “1823” painted in gold on the back of the hat between two patterned lines. The Monroe Fire Company was established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 8th, 1823, and likely named after President James Monroe, who was in office at the time of its founding.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1823-1860
- associated
- Monroe Fire Company
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0068
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0068
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Marion Hose Company Fire Hat
- Description
- Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
- This hat dates to the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted brown overall, with an image of a spread-winged bald eagle similar to the one depicted on the Great Seal of the United States. In the bird's right claw is an olive branch and in its left are a group of thirteen arrows, and the shield of the United States is on its chest. A red banner above the eagle reads “MARION.” The back of the hat has the date “1833” painted in gold. The crown of the hat has the owner’s initials “J.H.H.” painted in gold. The Marion Hose Company was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 19, 1833.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1833-1860
- associated
- Marion Hose Company
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0069
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0069
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Neptune Hose Company Fire Hat
- Description
- Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
- This fire hat was used by a member of the Neptune Hose Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted brown overall, with painted golden text on the front that reads “NEUPTUNE/HOSE.” The back of the hat has the date “1805” painted in gold, and the owner’s initials “J.D.C.” in gold on the crown of the hat. The Neptune Hose Company was founded on August 6th, 1805 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1810-1860
- associated
- Neptune Hose Company
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0070
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0070
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Neptune Hose Company Fire Hat
- Description
- Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
- This fire hat was used by a member of the Neptune Hose Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted brown overall, with painted golden text on the front that reads “NEUPTUNE/HOSE.” The back of the hat has the date “1805” painted in gold, and the owner’s initials “J.R.F.” in gold on the crown of the hat. The Neptune Hose Company was founded on August 6th, 1805 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1810-1860
- associated
- Neptune Hose Company
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0071
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0071
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Norristown Hose Company Fire Hat
- Description
- Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
- This fire hat was used in Norristown, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted brown overall, with golden triangles coming down from the top. The front of the hat reads “NORRISTOWN HOSE” in gold paint. The back of the hat has the date “1847” painted in gold, and the owner’s initials “J.B.T.” in gold script on the crown of the hat. The Norristown Hose Company was organized in 1847 in Norristown, Pennsylvania.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1810-1860
- associated
- Norristown Hose Company
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0072
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0072
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Northern Liberty Hose Company Fire Hat
- Description
- The work of art on this parade hat of the Northern Liberty Hose Company combines a number of patriotic emblems. The female figure, known as Lady Liberty, is a personification of the United States. In her left hand, Liberty holds a pole with a red liberty cap on top. The liberty cap was originally a Roman symbol given to freed slaves. It became an internationally known symbol of the American Revolution when colonists carried them atop poles in parades and rallies. The U.S. flag and shield are also included in the picture. Possessing similar features, both of these symbols were adopted by the Continental Congress. By the design of the flag, it can be determined that this parade hat was painted after 1795. Before that date, the thirteen stars of the flag were arranged in a circle, not the pattern visible on this hat.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1835-1860
- associated
- Northern Liberty Hose Company No. 4
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0073
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0073
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Northern Liberty Fire Company Fire Hat
- Description
- Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
- This hat dates to the first half of the 19th century. The hat is painted black overall, with the text “NORTHERN/No. 1/LIBERTY” painted in gold on the front of the hat. The crown of the hat bears the date “1756” in gold paint. The back of the hat features a faded image of fire hydrant in gold flanked by the initials “FA". This was the logo of the Fire Association of Philadelphia, an insurance company founded by a group of eleven volunteer engine companies and five volunteer hose companies in 1817. The Northern Liberty Fire Company was founded on May 1st 1756, in the Northern Liberties area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a separate municipality until 1854.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1810-1860
- associated
- Northern Liberty No. 1
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0074
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0074
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
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