Category: C

kaftan

14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, 19th century, Asia, C, K, term definition

The kaftan (also caftan) is an ancient garment, which originated in Ancient Persia but then spread across Central and Western Asia. It is a kind of robe or tunic that was worn by both men and women. Kaftans are still worn today in different ways.

cochineal dyes

14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, Americas, C, term definition

Cochineal dyes come from the Cochineal beetle that is native to the Americas and is most commonly found on prickly pear cacti. When dried and crushed it creates its famous red pigment that is used to dye textiles.

chantilly lace

17th century, 18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, C, L, term definition

Chantilly lace is a kind of bobbin lace popularized in 18th century France. It is identifiable by its fine ground, outlined pattern, and abundant detail, and was generally made from black silk thread.

clocks/clocking

17th century, 18th century, 19th century, C, term definition

Decorative and strengthening embroidery on stockings in Europe and America during the 16th-19th centuries.

clavus/clavi

ancient, C, term definition

Decorative vertical stripes that ran over the shoulder on the front and back of a Late Roman or Byzantine tunic.

chaperon

15th century, C, term definition

A turban-like headdress worn during the Middle Ages in Western Europe.

caraco

18th century, C, term definition

18th century women’s jacket, fitted around the torso and flared out after the waist.

chemisette

19th century, C, term definition

A piece of fabric worn under bodices in the 19th century to fill in low necklines for modesty and decoration.

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.

robe en chemise

1780-1789, 18th century, C, R, term definition

A dress fashionable in the 1780s, constructed out of muslin with a straight cut gathered with a sash or drawstring.

chopines

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

High platform shoes worn mostly in Venice in the 16th & 17th centuries.

carrick coat

19th century, C, term definition

The carrick coat is an overcoat with three to five cape collars popular in the 19th century and mostly worn for riding and travel–sometimes called a Garrick or coachman’s coat.