Who Wore What?: Women's Wear 1861-1865

by Juanita Leisch

Very popular among reenactors, this book explains what was worn, by whom, and in what combinations. With more than 300 photographs, it provides invaluable information on the dress styles and designs of women's clothing in the 19th century. It also includes descriptions of accessories and construction tips for those involved with reenactments and living history. Now in use extensively in the Hollywood film industry.

Genres: History, Fashion, Civil War, Research, Nonfiction

128 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1995

Reviews

[Cami Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Who Wore What? Women’s Wear 1861 - 1865” gives a great overview on women’s fashion during the American Civil War.

Juanita Leisch provides great information paired with photographs of women from the period to illustrate her points. She also details what was common for young women, middle aged women, and older women of the period, which is especially helpful for researchers.

While there are more exhaustive resources out there, Leisch’s book offers a comprehensive overview for anyone interested in women’s clothing during the Civil War.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful photographic references. Best part about this book is that it ignores almost nobody - you'll find notes on what women of all ages would've worn and how their economic background may have influenced their clothing decisions.

The scope is fortunately not overly broad though - this book focuses on regular day-wear for the white American woman. You'll be able to read more than just a few sentences on the woman/women you're curious about.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good resource for sewists, historians, and anyone interested in Civil War era clothing.

[Cheryl Trent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is probably the best on the current market for beginning reenactors to reference. An interesting historical bit is I don't think the author knows that she has several Native American women displayed. The goal of this book is to destory common assumptions of what was worn and clarifies what was typically worn by studying hundreds of pictures from the period.

[Joan Koster · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is plenty of useful information in this book. However, the sample of photographs she worked with, although carefully dated, were not random and are not identified as to location so her generalizations should be considered in that light. But the photos themselves are fascinating. I enjoy looking at these women, dressed up for their photos and imagining their lives.

[Phair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this because of the variety of period photos included and the nice logical arrangement of the text. Women of all shapes and ages will find photos to identify with. You get head to toe detail on various aspects of dress from hairnets to hemlines as well as a section on fabrics, trims an accessories.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with the last reviewer. Taken with a grain of salt, this is a great book. I found that its review of clothing wore by teens not to match up with what I've seen in period photographs and books, and it did provide a rather 'one sided' veiw to things. But, overall, it is a good reference book.

[Sbuchler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Costume History

This is one of my all-time favorite costume books - it's an analysis of women's clothing and accessories as seen in the carte de viste photographs during the Civil War years.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a resource!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good reference for women interested in Civil War re-enactment or historical interpretation. The photographs are invaluable.