Category: B

barbette

14th century, 15th century, B, early Middle Ages, term definition

A piece of linen which passes under the chin and is pinned at the sides, usually worn in conjunction with additional head coverings during the Middle Ages.

bombast/bombasted

16th century, 17th century, B, term definition

The padding used to structure clothing and create fashionable silhouettes in the 16th and 17th centuries.

buff coat

17th century, B, C, term definition

A leather version of the doublet that was often, but not exclusively, worn by people in the military in the 17th century.

poke bonnet

19th century, B, P, term definition

A nineteenth-century women’s hat that featured a large brim which extended beyond the wearer’s face.

cuirass bodice

1870-1879, 1880-1889, 19th century, B, C, term definition

A form-fitting, long-waisted, boned bodice worn in the 1870s and 1880s–almost gives the appearance of armor as the name suggests.

bum roll

16th century, 17th century, B, R, term definition

A roll of padding tied around the hip line to hold a woman’s skirt out from the body in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

busk

16th century, 17th century, 18th century, 19th century, B, term definition

A flat length stay piece that was inserted into the front of a corset to keep it stiff from the 16th century to the early 20th century.

pillow/bobbin lace

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

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

bustle

19th century, B, term definition

A pad or frame worn under a skirt puffing it out behind.

Bloomers are a bifurcated garment that were worn under dresses in the 19th century. They soon became a symbol of women’s rights because early activist Amelia Bloomer wore drawers long enough to stick out from under her dress.