Recommended reading for historical tailoring, clothing and textile history
Sewing historical clothing is not as difficult as it may seem. Simple patterns for beginners are available, for example, from Burda. Books with detailed information about clothing, social status, period, region, cutting, materials and sewing techniques help you understand and make historical garments.
Here we collect reading recommendations on historical tailoring, medieval clothing, Viking dress, textile history, dyeing, patterns and historical garments. This list is intended as a starting point and reference guide.
Books on historical clothing: starting with tailoring and costume
Different kinds of books can help you get started with historical clothing. Some explain patterns and sewing techniques; others focus on archaeological finds, visual sources, textile history, colours, materials or particular periods.
Historical clothing patterns and sewing techniques
Practical books help you make tunics, dresses, hoods, coats, trousers, headwear and basic outfits.
Books on historical clothing by period
Specialist books on the Middle Ages, the Viking Age, the Gothic period or the Celts help place clothing in its social, regional and historical context.
Textile history, fabrics and materials
Books on fabrics, weaves, dyeing and textile finds help you choose wool, linen, silk, broadcloth, loden and suitable colours.
Books in German on historical tailoring
The following German-language books and publications are suitable for historical tailoring, costume, medieval clothing, textile history and material studies.
Show books in German
- 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 – accompanying magazine for the exhibition at the Europäischen Hansemuseum Lübeck
Books in English 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 books in English
- 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 the book to the right fabric for historical clothing
Books help establish historical context. To make the garment, the fabric must also suit the pattern, period, use and comfort. Consider material, weight, weave, feel, colour and care together.
Thank you for further reading suggestions
Thank you 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 anyone we may have forgotten for helping put this list together.
We welcome further recommendations. If you know a good book about historical clothing, textile history, tailoring, dyeing or costume, please let us know.
Further reading on fabrics, costume and historical textiles
Alongside books, our fabric guides, care instructions, customer gallery and fabric categories can help you start your own projects.
