Category: B

falling band

1630-1639, 1640-1649, 1650-1659, 17th century, B, F, term definition

A flat and broad white collar often with lace on the edges, worn by men and women in the 17th century.

barbette

1300-1349, 1350-1399, 14th century, 15th century, B, 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

1630-1639, 1640-1649, 1650-1659, 1660-1669, 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, 16th 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.