What is considered to be a garment?

The processes involved in designing and manufacturing garments, and objects associated with these processes, are also of importance in the understanding of the significance of the garments.

Garments can both metaphorically and literally bear the imprint of its wearer(s) as objects that have been worn, carried or used to adorn, their person(s).

Here is a list of some items of dress that illustrate the array of objects that may be termed garments in the context of this project. The items in this list have been taken from the Vocabulary of Basic Terms for Cataloguing Costume, compiled by the ICOM International Committee for the Museums and Collections of Costume. ICOM is the International Council of Museums.

Apron, Belt, Bodice, Brooch, Comb, Drawers, Fan, Garters, Gloves, Hood, Infant’s rattle, Masks, Nightdress, Pinafore, Shirt, Skirt, Tie, Trousers, Waistcoat, Walking stick, Watch

A late 19th /early 20th century single leather glove found concealed under floorboards in a cottage in Cupar, Fife during electrical renovations. It is stamped with the maker’s mark ‘A. Honeyman, Saddler, Cupar, Fife’. A hat was also found with the glove. The glove remains with Fife Council Museums East and the hat has been donated to the Karen Finch Reference Collection at the Textile Conservation Centre. CG2.b
Image © Copyright 2002 Fife Council Museum East