C | Fashion History Timeline

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.

cage crinoline

19th century, C, term definition

A hooped cage worn under petticoats in the 19th century to stiffen and extend the skirt.

codpiece

15th century, 16th century, C, term definition

Originally created as the join between the two hoses at the groin, the codpiece eventually became an ornate piece of male dress in the 16th century.

chiton

ancient, C, term definition

An ancient Greek garment created from a single piece of cloth wrapped around the body and held together by pins at the shoulders.

Spanish cape

16th century, 17th century, C, S, term definition

Originating from Spain, an outer wrap often cut in a three-quarter circle.

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.