FIT Student | Fashion History Timeline

frock coat

18th century, 19th century, C, F, term definition

The frock coat is a collared man’s coat worn through the eighteenth to the twentieth century. It rose to prominence mainly in the nineteenth century, especially Victorian England. It is characterized as a knee-length overcoat, buttoned down to the waist, that drapes over the lower half of the body like a skirt.

vest/waistcoat

17th century, 18th century, 19th century, 20th century, term definition, V, W

A close-fitting inner garment, usually worn between jacket and shirt.

pillow/bobbin lace

15th century, 16th century, B, L, P, term definition

Textile lace made by braiding and twisting thread on a pillow.

passementerie

17th century, P, term definition

An additional accent or embellishment in silk or metallic threads, such as an embroidered braid, tassel or fringe.

robe à la française

18th century, R, term definition

An elite 18th-century gown consisting of a decorative stomacher, petticoat, and two wide box pleats falling from shoulders to the floor.

robe à l’anglaise

18th century, R, term definition

The 18th-century robe à l’anglaise consisted of a fitted bodice cut in one piece with an overskirt that was often parted in front to reveal the petticoat.

love lock

17th century, L, term definition

A lock of hair from the nape of the neck hanging over the chest to show romantic attachment; it was a popular hairstyle between 1590-1650.

knickerbockers

19th century, 20th century, K, term definition

Knickerbockers or “knickers” are full or baggy trousers gathered at the knee or just below and usually fastened with either a button or buckle. Knickerbockers were initially worn by men in the late 19th century and gradually became part of women’s fashion. The garment was usually worn as sportswear and became especially popular among golfers and female cyclists, hence the term “pedal pushers”.