Clothing & Accessories
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.
2,946
Page 1 of 148
-
Col. Richard M. Johnson of Kentucky
- Description (Brief)
- Black and white print, half length portrait of a man (Richard Mentor Johnson).
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- n.d.
- depicted
- Johnson, Richard Mentor
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- DL.60.3210
- catalog number
- 60.3210
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Faceted, Diamond-Shaped Goldstone Button with Swirl Design
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 1962.239460.04010
- accession number
- 239460
- catalog number
- 239460.04010
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Pink Pearl Button
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 1962.239460.03347
- accession number
- 239460
- catalog number
- 239460.03347
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Marcasite Button with Star Decoration in Center
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 1962.239460.04163
- accession number
- 239460
- catalog number
- 239460.04163
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Garment Production Specification Papers
- Description
- These are cutting and sewing instructions for the overseas manufacturing of a dress sold under the “Hot Kiss” label. The instructions date from June 27, 2002 and describe a dress with style number 126-5462 made in Hong Kong. The paper gives explicit instructions about how to stitch the seams, where the ruffles should go, and how much cloth should be used for each size of dress. During the 1980s, more and more brands and labels operated factories abroad to manufacture their wares with cheaper labor. This made it necessary to create guidelines and instructions for the overseas workers such as this ticket.
- date made
- 1999 - 2002
- 1999-2002
- maker
- Hot Kiss, Inc.
- ID Number
- 2014.3041.04.01
- catalog number
- 2014.3041.04.01
- nonaccession number
- 2014.3041
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Haverly's European Mastodon Minstrels
- Description
- Colored print of a large band performing on the steps of the Capitol (south wing), during the inauguration of the president. A row of Honor Guards stands at attention on the steps, to either side of the band. A large crowd looks on. Haverly's United Mastodon Minstrels was a blackface performers created in 1877, when J. H. Haverly merged four of his companies. The group included a brass band and a drum corp. The shows included lavish scenery and often a circus act.
- Entertainment entrepreneur J. H. (Jack) Haverly (1837-1901) was born Christopher Haverly near Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. He launched his show business career in 1864 in Toledo, Ohio, where he purchased a variety theater. Inspired by entrepreneurs like P. T. Barnum, Haverly went on to manage other theaters, and he created minstrel and comic performance groups on the East Coast and in the Middle West. In the late 1870s he consolidated his troupes into a single company called the United Mastodon Minstrels which included forty performers, along with a brass band and drum corps. The group continued to grow and at one point had more than a hundred members. Around the same time, Haverly took control of a black performing group called Charles Callender's Original Georgia Minstrels, which he renamed Haverly’s Colored Minstrels. He promoted their performances as authentic depictions of black life, even creating a mock plantation with costumed actors portraying slaves and overseers. Haverly’s troupes toured the United States, usually appearing at his own theaters in cities like New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and San Francisco. They also traveled to England and Scotland. Featuring lavish stage sets, extravagant special effects, and performers in blackface makeup and exotic costumes, his innovations inspired the creation of smaller minstrel shows during the late nineteenth century.
- This chromolithograph was produced by the Strobridge Lithographing Company. The Strobridge firm was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio ca 1847 by lithographer Elijah J. Middleton (cited in some sources as Elijah C. Middleton). Middleton was known as one of the pioneers of chromolithography in the United States. By 1854 another lithographer, W. R. Wallace, along with the bookseller Hines Strobridge (1823-1909) had joined the firm as partners. After the Civil War, Strobridge acquired sole ownership of the company and renamed it after himself. Strobridge and Company became especially well known for circus, theater, and movie posters. After leaving the company, Elijah Middleton established a reputation as a portrait publisher, producing prints of George and Martha Washington, Daniel Webster, and other American historical figures.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1880
- maker
- Strobridge Lithographing Company
- ID Number
- DL.60.2482
- catalog number
- 60.2482
- accession number
- 228146
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Button Made from Hard Rubber or Horn Depicting a Woman's Profile
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 1962.239460.03833
- accession number
- 239460
- catalog number
- 239460.03833
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Black Glass Button with Floral Design
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 1962.239460.03547
- accession number
- 239460
- catalog number
- 239460.03547
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Button Depicting a Woman in Profile
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 1962.239460.03628
- accession number
- 239460
- catalog number
- 239460.03628
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Allegheny Parade 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 from Allegheny, Pennsylvania. The hat has been painted red, and bears the text “ALLEGHENY” in gold above a United States shield. The date “1802” is painted in gold on the back of the hat, and the crown of the hat has a star shaped designed with the letter “A” in the center. The Allegheny Fire Company of Allegheny, Pennsylvania was founded in 1802 and operated until 1870, when it was absorbed by the municipal fire department.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- in use
- 1802-1870
- company which the hat's owner belonged to
- Allegheny Engine Co.
- owner
- Neel, Harry
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2005.0233.0026
- catalog number
- 2005.0233.0026
- accession number
- 2005.0233
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Faceted, Oblong-Shaped Goldstone Button
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 1962.239460.04007
- accession number
- 239460
- catalog number
- 239460.04007
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Red Glass Ball Button
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 1962.239460.01688
- accession number
- 239460
- catalog number
- 239460.01688
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Environmental Button
- Description
- The National Association of Audubon Societies was founded in 1905 to protect birds whose populations were being decimated by hunters for the plume (feather) trade. The organization was named after John James Audubon, a 19th century naturalist and artist who produced the book series Birds of America, published between 1827 and 1838. In 1940 the Association changed its name to the National Audubon Society, and since that time it has become engaged with a broad array of environmental concerns.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 2003.0014.0143
- accession number
- 2003.0014
- catalog number
- 2003.0014.0143
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Alaska Ocean Coveralls
- Description
- Fish processors, laboratory staff, inspectors, supervisors, and others who work in the factory aboard the Alaska Ocean wear royal blue coveralls like these when on duty. These polyester coveralls are worn over other clothing to maintain standards of hygiene in the factory. Some processors change their coveralls several times during their daily 12-hour shift, which can extend to kicker shifts of an additional three hours. Because clean coveralls are always in demand, the factory’s laundry crew keeps the industrial washers and dryers running continuously. The coveralls, with the words Alaska Ocean emblazoned across the back, zip up the front and are typically worn tucked into boots.
- date made
- 2006
- Associated Date
- 2007
- used
- McFarland, Thelma
- maker
- Fristads
- ID Number
- 2007.0178.20
- catalog number
- 2007.0178.20
- accession number
- 2007.0178
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Mechlin Bobbin Lace Border with floral Garlands
- Description (Brief)
- Old Mechlin continuous bobbin lace border made in Belgium or France in the Louis XV (1715-1774) style. 7 ½” symmetrical pattern repeat. Fine quality. Same pattern as TE.L6882. It was possibly cut from the same piece. A machine made edging has been added.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- Mid 18th C.
- Associated Name
- Pinchot, Mary Eno
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- TE.L6479
- catalog number
- L6479.000
- accession number
- 48717
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Yellow Colored Pearl Button with Floral Design
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 1962.239460.03298
- accession number
- 239460
- catalog number
- 239460.03298
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Faceted, Round Mirror Button
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 1962.239460.04052
- accession number
- 239460
- catalog number
- 239460.04052
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Pearl Button with Metal Rim
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 1962.239460.03727
- accession number
- 239460
- catalog number
- 239460.03727
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Valenciennes Bobbin Lace Pattern and Sample
- Description
- This set is a pattern of Valenciennes square mesh bobbin lace and a sample made from it. The pattern is drawn with ink (?) on parchment and appears to have been used as the pricking. Suggestions for working the pattern are written in French: "Laisser le bas. Claircir (?) les deux cercles. Laisser plus de jeu aux boules. Former le petit medaillon, le haut moins regulier". Extra threads are added to motifs and cut off. The design (no. 554) and sample for this 19th Century Brussels lace were purchased from G. Moens, Brussels, in 1921.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- late 19th century
- maker
- unknown
- ID Number
- 2013.0121.29
- accession number
- 2013.0121
- catalog number
- 2013.0121.29
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
The Proposal
- Description
- Sentimental genre prints documented the social image of Victorian virtue through domestic scenes of courtship, family, home life, and images of the “genteel female.” Children are depicted studying nature or caring for their obedient pets as they learn their place in the greater world. Romantic scenes picture devoted husbands with their contented, dutiful wives. In these prints, young women educated in reading, music, needlework, the arts, the language of flowers, basic math and science are subjugated to their family’s needs.
- These prints became popular as lithography was introduced to 19th Century Americans. As a new art form, it was affordable for the masses and provided a means to share visual information by crossing the barriers of race, class and language. Sentimental prints encouraged the artistic endeavors of schoolgirls and promoted the ambitions of amateur artists, while serving as both moral instruction and home or business decoration. They are a pictorial record of our romanticized past.
- This hand colored print is of a seated woman with a man standing in front of her. The woman is wearing simple farm clothing, a yellow bonnet and apron over a red long sleeved dress. The man is wearing tan pants with a white shirt and blue vest and he is holding a straw hat. Beside the woman is a watering trough overflowing with water. A jug is between the trough and the woman; behind the man are two baskets. Multiple buildings can be seen in the background.
- This print was produced by the lithographic firm of D.W. Kellogg & Co. Daniel Wright Kellogg (1807-1874) founded the company in 1830 Hartford, Connecticut. Before the opening of its first retail store in 1834, D.W. Kellogg & Co. lithography firm was well established and popular in United States, particularly in the South and the Southwest. As the founding member of the family company, Daniel Wright Kellogg established the initial growth and popularity of the firm. After he left the company it continued to flourish for decades under his younger brothers and other family members.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1835
- maker
- D.W. Kellogg and Company
- ID Number
- DL.60.2280
- catalog number
- 60.2280
- accession number
- 228146
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
Pages
Filter Your Results
Click to remove a filter:
- data source
-
topic
- Clothing and dress 2946
- Dress accessories 2946
- Manufacturing industries 1335
- Industrialization 1330
- Buttons 1038
- Art 548
- Furnishings 460
- Peters Prints 356
- Textiles 266
- Firefighting Collection 263
- Children 144
- Fire Fighting 133
- Animals 125
- Adornment 122
- Family 121
- Lace and lace making 112
- Social life and customs 112
- Women 107
- Politics 103
- Music 101
-
object type
- button 1323
- Lithographs 406
- Fire hats 168
- Fashion Plate 105
- Fashion Plate; Female 97
- frontpiece, helmet 87
- Lace (needlework) 77
- Dresses (garments) 48
- Main garments 44
- collotype 41
- Chromolithographs 34
- Button 30
- Entire Body 29
- Hats 23
- Pins (fasteners) 21
- pattern, bobbin lace 20
- Caps (headgear) 18
- production papers 18
- Cosmetics 17
- Shoes (footwear) 17
- date
- place
- culture
-
set name
- Industry & Manufacturing 1330
- Work and Industry: Production and Manufacturing 1258
- Buttons 1038
- Art 548
- Home and Community Life: Domestic Life 513
- Domestic Furnishings 459
- Work 376
- Peters Prints 356
- Home and Community Life: Costume 301
- Home and Community Life: Fire Fighting and Law Enforcement 268
- Textiles 265
- Firefighting Collection 263
- Cultures & Communities 206
- Family & Social Life 112
- Lace 111
- National Museum of American History 97
- Home and Community Life: Textiles 91
- Fire Helmets 87
- Helmet Frontpieces 87
