Book Recommendations for Historical Tailoring, Historical Clothing and Textile History
Sewing a historical garment is not as difficult as it may seem. Simple sewing patterns for getting started can be found, for example, at Burda. Books with detailed information about garments, social status, period, region, pattern construction, materials and sewing techniques help you better understand and recreate historical clothing.
On this page we collect book recommendations on historical tailoring, medieval clothing, Viking garments, textile history, dyeing, sewing patterns and historical clothing. The list is intended as a starting point and reference aid.
Wool fabrics · Cloth & loden · Linen fabrics · Useful information about fabric quality · Fabric guide: wool
Books for historical clothing: getting started with tailoring and garments
Different types of literature are helpful when getting started with historical clothing. Some books explain patterns and sewing techniques, while others focus on archaeological finds, visual sources, textile history, colours, materials or specific periods.
Sewing patterns for historical clothing and sewing techniques
Practical books help with creating a tunic, dress, hood, coat, trousers, headwear or basic clothing set.
Books on historical clothing by period
Specialist literature on the Middle Ages, Viking Age, Gothic period or Celts helps classify clothing by status, region and time.
Textile history, fabrics and materials
Books about fabrics, weaves, dyeing and textile finds help when choosing wool, linen, silk, cloth, loden and suitable colours.
German-language book recommendations for historical tailoring
The following German-language books and publications are suitable for historical tailoring, garments, medieval clothing, textile history and material knowledge.
Show German book recommendations
- Bunte Tuche – gleißendes Metall: Frühe Kelten der Hallstattzeit by Heuneburg Museum (editor)
- Kleidung des Mittelalters selbst anfertigen – Gewandungen der Wikinger by Carola Adler
- Kleidung des Mittelalters selbst anfertigen – Grundausstattung für den Mann by Zerkowski/Fuhrmann
- Kleidung des Mittelalters selbst anfertigen – Grundausstattung für die Frau by Zerkowski/Fuhrmann
- Kleidung des Mittelalters selbst anfertigen – Kopfbedeckungen für Mann und Frau by Susanne Leuner
- Kleidung im Mittelalter: Materialien – Konstruktion – Nähtechnik by Katrin Kania
- Kleidung und Waffen der Früh- und Hochgotik 1150–1320 by Ulrich Lehnart
- Kleidung und Waffen der Spätgotik: 1370–1420 by Ulrich Lehnart
- Kleidung und Waffen der Spätgotik 1420–1480 by Ulrich Lehnart
- Mittelalterliches Schneidern by Sarah Thursfield
- Mode im Mittelalter by Jan Keupp
- Prähistorische Textilkunst in Mitteleuropa by Karina Grömer
- Textilien und Tracht in Haithabu und Schleswig by Inga Hägg
- Um 1504 – Die Kleidung – Grundausstattung by I.G. Gewand Bretten, also available online
- Die Kunst des Färbens mit natürlichen Stoffen by Nencki Lydie
- Guter Stoff von der Hansezeit bis heute – companion magazine to the exhibition at the European Hansemuseum Lübeck
English books on historical clothing and medieval tailoring
Some excellent references on medieval garments, textile finds, historical clothing and reconstruction are available in English. They are useful for reenactment, living history, LARP, costume research and historical tailoring.
Show English literature tips
- Medieval Garments Reconstructed by Else Østergård
- Textiles and Clothing 1150–1450 by Elisabeth Crowfoot et al.
- The Medieval Tailor’s Assistant: Common Garments 1100–1480 by Sarah Thursfield
- Viking: Dress Clothing Garment by Nille Glaesel
- Woven into the Earth by Else Østergård
- Patterns for Theatrical Costumes: Garments, Trims, and Accessories from Ancient Egypt to 1915 by Katherine Strand Holkeboer / Katherine Strand-Evans
From book to suitable fabric for historical clothing
Literature helps with historical classification. For practical implementation, the fabric must also suit the pattern, period, use and wearing comfort. Material, weight, weave, feel, colour and care should therefore be considered together.
Useful information: good fabric & fabric quality · Fabric guide: wool · Care instructions · FAQ
Thank you for further book tips and recommendations
Many thanks for helping to create this list to Birgit Lichte-Steeger, Che Nupet, Chris Ken Del, Hildegunst von Mythenmetz, Karin and Toni Wolmeringer, Milan Kl, Ramona Lachmann, Svala Rauðisdottir, Julia Haug, Dr. Melanie Burgemeister and everyone we have forgotten to mention.
We are happy to receive further recommendations. If you know a good book on historical clothing, textile history, tailoring, dyeing or garments, please feel free to get in touch.
Further reading on fabric knowledge, garments and historical fabrics
In addition to literature, fabric knowledge, care instructions, the customer gallery and suitable fabric categories can help you get started with your own projects.
Customer gallery · Wool fabrics · Cloth & loden · Linen fabrics · Request advice
