Research Resources

Academic Works (Free Downloads/Accessible)

  • The Met Museum of Art has many of their publications available as free downloads. Tip: use the Collection/Department filter to narrow the list!

18th c.


Sewing Manuals, Etc.


Fashion Plates/Magazines

All Eras

U. of Washington Fashion Plate Collection, 1806-1915
The Met Costume Institute Fashion and Dress Plates, 18th c.-1949
National Portrait Gallery Collection, 1770-1860s

1790s-1820s

19th c.

Fashioning Philadelphia (American fashion plates!)
Fashion Plates URI HTCC (1799-1890)
La Mode Artistique by Gustave Janet, later 19th c.

Free Patterns

La Mode Illustree PDF Digital Scans, 1860-1920

Single Digitized Historical Documents

Barbara Johnson’s Dress Fabric Album (1746-1823) V&A

Groups, Archives, Virtual Museums and Databases

Fiber/Fabric/Finish Identification