Five Centuries of American Costume

This profusely illustrated study focuses on more than 500 years of clothing styles worn by people of the Americas — from animal hides in the 9th century to suits for both sexes in the mid-20th century. A brief, introductory chapter describes and depicts the everyday wear of Vikings, Mayans, Aztecs, Incas, and principal North American Indian tribes. Subsequent sections are devoted to the many and varied costumes of the Spanish, Portuguese, English, French, German, and Scandinavians who came after them. Military uniforms from the 16th to the mid-20th century are also portrayed, and civilian dress for men, women and children is reviewed during the same five centuries.