Do You Know What These 14 Old Timey Fashion Terms Mean?

7) Polonaise

Right around the time the U.S. was gaining her Independence, the Europeans were wearing the robe a la polonaise, a dress which imitated the Polish national costume.

6) Chatelaine

The phrase refers to anything worn by a woman from her belt. Often it is used to mean her bag, but tools, scissors, and keys strung from her belt would also be considered part of the chatelaine.

5) Stomacher

If you guessed that a stomacher went on the stomach you are correct! This triangular accessory went over a woman’s corset and would have been seen (instead of the corset) under her jacket.

4) Farthingale

Willow, whale bones, caning or other substrates were used to create these early hoop skirts of Spanish origin.

3) Monmouth

The Monmouth cap is a knitted cap popular from the 16th century onward and often associated with sailors or dock workers. This historical example has a carrying loop on it.

2) Clocking

Once upon a time gentlemen’s stockings were of great importance. Made by guild members back when knitting was primarily a man’s profession, the decoration on the side was known as clocking.

1) Linsey-woolsey

When a fabric a linen warp and woolen weft it’s called linsey-woolsey. Often worn by working class folks, this fabric is also seen as thick coverlets often woven in some combination of ecru, red, and blue.

If you love fashion history then click “Next Page” to have a look at some of the most fashionable figures throughout history!