Historical Costume; A Beginner's How-To

This is something I've had floating around my head for a little while now, and naturally - whilst in the middle of sewing myself into oblivion with two weeks each for three extravagant evening gowns - now is the time to do it. The fact is that historical costuming is not an easy hobby to get into or find comprehensive, useful information on, and it can be pretty daunting - which is a real shame because it is the most fun.

So, perhaps foolishly, I decided that I would write some beginners tutorials as introductions to the hobby. Because 'historical costuming' is a massive subject (essentially spanning the entirety of human history from the point where we decided clothes were cool) I decided not to tackle specific eras or techniques, but more generally useful subjects, such as;

• Research; how do I do it?
• Museums; making them work for you
• Picking and planning projects
• Designing with a historical eye
• Primary sources; what are they and what do you do with them

and anything else I can think of. To kick us off, I thought I would begin with some general pointers;

Yes, You Can

If you are thinking right now 'but I couldn't possibly-' then you should immediately find that part of your brain doing the talking and kick it, because it's wrong. In fact, you are henceforth banned from using the word "can't" - instead of 'I can't do X', you must say 'I have not yet learnt to do X' or 'I am not very good at doing X yet'. Because you can learn and you can practice and you will eventually become very good. Yes, you.

Knowledge, Learning and an Open Mind

It's good to learn as much as you can about everything you can. It's what most historical costumers, whatever they strive towards, do best. However it's important to remember two things; you don't know everything, and nobody knows everything. There will always be someone who knows more about a specific aspect of costuming or history than you do, and it will be more rewarding if you're ready and willing to learn from them. All the same, don't blindly accept information you are given, no matter who it is giving it to you - if it doesn't seem right, or if it contradicts information you already have, be prepared to put your thinking cap on.

To Every Question There Is A Hundred Answers

Human beings are strange and varied and their clothes are exactly the same. Items of clothing may be called by a dozen different names - the same name may cover a dozen different styles over half a dozen decades - and there are literally endless different ways to finish a hem. Be prepared to have many answers to every question and for all of them, in one way or another, to be right.

There Is No Right Or Wrong

Many people I've met are daunted by historical costuming because they think they will 'get it wrong'. There is no such thing as wrong. There is, of course, 'more accurate' and 'less accurate', which some people confuse as being the same as 'right' and 'wrong'. Accuracy is a nice thing to strive for, but it isn't the only thing. You decide what your goals are, and you decide whether or not you've achieved them.

It's Never Going To Be Perfect

You are probably never going to be totally satisfied you've achieved your goals. And that's okay! Over time you will be less dissatisfied and your goals will get more ambitious. That's progress.