The Cut of Women's Clothes: 1600-1930

The Cut of Clothes

by Norah Waugh

Each period in the history of costume has produced its own characteristic line and silhouette, derived from a cut and construction which varies considerably from age to age. Here are patterns taken from actual dresses, many of them rare museum specimens, illustrated by sketches of the dresses. There are notes on the production of women's dress, with references to early technical books and journals, together with diagrams from some of them. Numerous illustrations show the dresses as worn complete with their hairstyles, jewelry, decorations and accessories.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, Sewing, History, Fashion History, Reference, Historical

394 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1968

Reviews

[Toviel · Rating 3 out of 5]

ACTUAL RATING: 2.5

I had high expectations for THE CUT OF WOMEN’S CLOTHES, in large part because the male counterpart by the author is my go-to reference book for male fashions. Unfortunately, this book completely failed to live up to potential.

Despite the book being chalk full of technical information, patterns, pictures, and first hand accounts, the book’s coverage of female fashion is incredibly lopsided. If it isn’t involved in the actual dress, it’s not covered. The construction of hats, gloves, stockings, and other important accessories are largely ignored, even in eras where they are just as important as the gowns themselves. Considering CUT OF MEN’S CLOTHES managed to include all that info for the men of same time periods, its omission here is quite conspicuous. Also, if the period’s style isn’t from England or France, forgot about it entirely, because the book doesn’t bother covering them.

The book improves significantly after the introduction of Victorian fashion, largely because the author spends much more time explaining the why’s and how’s of women’s fashion trends, rather than briefly describing their construction and moving on. It’s also fun to read snippets of Lady Duff Gordon’s self-aggrandizing fashion histories, regardless of context. The improvement is not enough to save the book in my eyes, but it adds a half-star to my original 2-star disappointment.

[Alexandra Nabarro Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been my Go to for Historic patterns and for inspiration in my Designs for Years I first found the book when I was attending Tarleton State University for my Theatre classes and have many times gone to it as I started designing and making Gowns for my Vast Doll collection and then when I branched into Porcelain Dollmaking I had always wanted to own a copy and one day I will

['Eliese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for those who love fashion and history. It includes excerpts of writing, dress patterns, and pictures. The Cut of Women's Clothes showcases how women's clothing changed over the years. It's also an excellent book for fashion designers looking into more flamboyant and ladylike designs.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative history of women's clothing as the title suggests. Interesting to me were the patterns and the contemporary commentaries about the latest fashion and how it was worn.

[Meg Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish there were a few more pictures in here, but this is an otherwise excellent resource. The book includes fashion plates and patterns, descriptions of clothing cuts and details, and quotes from each century's fashion contemporaries.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative. A wonderful reference for all dressmakers.

[Phair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to own this book. I loved this book (patterns!). I loaned this book. I have never seen this book again. When I find an affordable copy I will replace it.

[Kayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and full of patterns. I'm in love! I just wish they made it a little bit easier to measure and connect all the pieces together.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful and comprehensive resource for historians and sewists alike.