There are several areas of the library to browse when researching historical costume patterns:
* 391 (Costume, personal appearance on level 2 of the library)
* 646.4 (Costume design, technical aspects on level 5 of the library)
* 792.026 (Costume for the stage on level 4 of the library)
Here are some examples of items you'll find under each call number range:
* 391
- Encyclopedia of World Dress and Fashion (Call number Q 391.003 E5648 in the oversized area).
- 10 volumes about related to clothing and dress around the globe.
- Arnold, Janet. A Handbook of Costume. London: Macmillan, 1973. Call number: 391 .A756h (Level 2)
- Although out of date, this book provides a nice overview of how to research historical costuming. Contains illustrations.
- Arnold, Janet. Patterns of Fashion: The Cut and Construction of Clothes for Men and Women c. 1560-1620. New York: Drama Book, 1985. Call number: 391.00941 A756p (Level 2)
- Contains great descriptions, reproductions of portraits and extant garments, as well as pattern diagrams of historical costumes from the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
* 646.4
- De Alcega, Juan. Tailor's Pattern Book 1589. New York: Costume and Fashion Press, 1999. Call number: 646.4072 A351L .Ep (Level 5)
- This is a facsimile and translation of an actual pattern book from 1589 (Libro de Geometria, Practica y Traca).
- Countryman, Ruth S. and Elizabeth Weiss Hopper. Women's Wear of the 1920s: With Complete Patterns. Studio City, CA: Players Press, 1998.
- Provides patterns as well as historical images of women's dress of the period.
* 791.026
- Waugh, Norah. The Cut of Men's Clothes 1600-1900. New York: Theatre Arts Books, 1964. Call number 792.026 W354c (Level 4)
- While out-of-date, this item still provides plates of extant men's garments as well as portraits and patterns.
- Waugh, Norah. The Cut of Women's Clothes 1600-1930. New York: Theatre Arts Books, 1968. Call number (Q oversized) 792.026 W354cw (Level 4)
- Provides plates of extant women's garments as well as portraits and patterns.
