What was the primary material used in prehistoric Britain for clothing?
- Wool
- Flax
- Animal skins
- Silk
Correct Answer: Animal skins
Correct Answer Explanation: Prehistoric Britons were known to utilize animal skins as a primary material for clothing. These skins were worn both inside and out, depending on the weather conditions.
What did the Gauls cut from their hair?
- The front
- The sides
- The back
- The top
Correct Answer: The back
Correct Answer Explanation: The Gauls, a Celtic people, would cut their hair from the back of their heads. The remaining hair was often tied into a tuft on top of the head, perhaps reflecting a desire for a distinct appearance.
What item was commonly worn as a symbol of authority in ancient Britain?
- A bronze torque
- A wooden staff
- A leather cloak
- A feathered hat
Correct Answer: A bronze torque
Correct Answer Explanation: A bronze torque, a twisted rod of gold, served as a symbol of authority and was worn as a mark of dignity. This practice likely reflected a desire to visually differentiate those with power and influence in ancient Britain.
The simple wrap known as the chasuble was said to have evolved from what?
- Two skins sewn together
- A single piece of woven fabric
- A series of overlapping belts
- A braided cord
Correct Answer: Two skins sewn together
Correct Answer Explanation: The chasuble, a liturgical vestment, is believed to have evolved from a garment made of two skins sewn together. This simple wrap was later developed into a more formal garment and became an important style element in later centuries.
In what century did women begin to bind their hair and faces with nets?
- 9th century
- 10th century
- 11th century
- 12th century
Correct Answer: 10th century
Correct Answer Explanation: The practice of women binding their hair and faces with nets emerged in the 10th century. This trend continued for centuries, evolving into intricate and ornate head-dresses that often reflected social status and personal style.
What type of garment, worn from the waist to the hip, first appeared in the 10th century?
- The corset
- The chasuble
- The corselet
- The farthingale
Correct Answer: The corselet
Correct Answer Explanation: The corselet, a garment fitted from the waist to the hip, made its first appearance in the 10th century. This garment, which served to shape the figure and support the weight of clothing, was a precursor to the corset and became a dominant feature of dress in later periods.
What decorative element, often shaped at the point, became a prominent feature of dress in the 14th century?
- The stomacher
- The farthingale
- The ruff
- The calash
Correct Answer: The stomacher
Correct Answer Explanation: The stomacher, a decorative piece that fills the front opening of a bodice or jacket, evolved from the chasuble-shaped front piece. Its use became prominent in the 14th century and continued throughout subsequent periods, adding a touch of elegance and visual interest to dress.
What year saw the introduction of starching methods for ruffs in England?
- 1558
- 1560
- 1564
- 1570
Correct Answer: 1564
Correct Answer Explanation: The year 1564 marked a turning point in the history of ruffs, as starching methods were introduced in England. This innovation allowed for increasingly elaborate and massive ruffs, transforming them from simple collars into extravagant fashion statements.
In what year were worsted stockings first produced in England?
- 1558
- 1560
- 1564
- 1566
Correct Answer: 1566
Correct Answer Explanation: The year 1566 saw the production of the first worsted stockings in England. This marked a significant step forward in the development of comfortable and stylish legwear, as worsted, a type of woolen yarn, was more durable and less expensive than silk.
The full pleated skirt, supported by a farthingale, reached its peak of popularity in what year?
- 1580
- 1590
- 1600
- 1610
Correct Answer: 1590
Correct Answer Explanation: The year 1590 marks the peak of popularity for the full pleated skirt, supported by a farthingale. This style, which created a very wide and round silhouette at the hips, was a defining feature of the Elizabethan era, known for its extravagant and opulent fashion.
What year saw the first recorded mention of a leather umbrella in England?
- 1600
- 1611
- 1620
- 1630
Correct Answer: 1611
Correct Answer Explanation: The first recorded mention of a leather umbrella in England dates back to 1611. Although umbrellas were not widely used in England until the 18th century, this early mention suggests a growing awareness of this practical accessory, perhaps influenced by travelers returning from other parts of the world.
The “maccaroni” fashion, characterized by small hats, clubbed wigs, and short coats, emerged in what decade?
- 1750s
- 1760s
- 1770s
- 1780s
Correct Answer: 1760s
Correct Answer Explanation: The “maccaroni” fashion, a trend known for its exaggerated and often absurd elements, emerged in the 1760s. This style, which was influenced by Italian fashion, reflected a growing interest in the arts and a desire to distinguish oneself from the more traditional styles of the previous era.
What garment, with its flowing back and elaborate trimmings, became a defining silhouette of the 18th century?
- The farthingale
- The sack-back dress
- The calash
- The polonaise
Correct Answer: The sack-back dress
Correct Answer Explanation: The sack-back dress, with its flowing back and often elaborate trimmings, became extremely popular in the 18th century. This style, characterized by its loose and comfortable fit, stood in contrast to the more tightly fitted silhouettes of previous periods, reflecting a shift toward a more relaxed and elegant aesthetic.
The calash, a large hooped hood, was introduced in what year?
- 1760
- 1777
- 1788
- 1799
Correct Answer: 1777
Correct Answer Explanation: The calash, a large hooped hood often worn to protect the elaborate hairstyles and head-dresses of the time, was introduced in 1777. This accessory became a popular fashion statement, adding a touch of elegance and protection from the elements.
The first use of white powder for hair is attributed to what century?
- 16th century
- 17th century
- 18th century
- 19th century
Correct Answer: 17th century
Correct Answer Explanation: The practice of using white powder for hair first emerged in the 17th century. This trend continued into the 18th century, reaching its peak of extravagance in the 1770s, as hairstyles became wider and more elaborate, often requiring extensive powdering to achieve the desired effect.
What year saw the crinoline, a stiff underskirt, revolutionize the shape of women’s dresses?
- 1845
- 1855
- 1865
- 1875
Correct Answer: 1855
Correct Answer Explanation: The year 1855 marked a significant shift in women’s fashion with the introduction of the crinoline. This stiff underskirt, made of horsehair or fabric, created a very full and wide silhouette, dramatically altering the shape of dresses and influencing fashion trends for decades.
What padded undergarment, introduced in the 1870s, brought a new shape to the back of the dress?
- The bustle
- The crinoline
- The corselet
- The stomacher
Correct Answer: The bustle
Correct Answer Explanation: The bustle, a padded undergarment, was introduced in the 1870s. This innovative piece brought a new shape to the back of the dress, emphasizing a rounded and voluminous form that stood in contrast to the flat, wide silhouette of the crinoline.
The “grand dress” of the Victorian era was characterized by what features?
- Simple lines and flowing fabrics
- Geometric patterns and bright colors
- Elaborate drapings, heavy fringes, and braids
- Short skirts and puffed sleeves
Correct Answer: Elaborate drapings, heavy fringes, and braids
Correct Answer Explanation: The “grand dress” of the Victorian era, known for its opulence and grandeur, was characterized by elaborate drapings, heavy fringes, and braids. This style marked a return to more ornate and cumbersome designs, reflecting a desire for extravagance and a departure from the simpler styles of previous decades.
The bowler hat, a short, round hat, gained popularity in what era?
- The Elizabethan era
- The Restoration era
- The Victorian era
- The Edwardian era
Correct Answer: The Victorian era
Correct Answer Explanation: The bowler hat, a short, round hat, gained popularity during the Victorian era. This style, known for its practicality and durability, became a staple of men’s fashion during the 19th century, reflecting the changing social and economic landscape of the time.
In what year did the circumference of quilted petticoats reach a remarkable 120 inches?
- 1780
- 1800
- 1820
- 1840
Correct Answer: 1800
Correct Answer Explanation: The year 1800 highlights the grand scale of fashion during the Regency period, as the circumference of quilted petticoats could reach a remarkable 120 inches. This demonstrates the emphasis on volume and extravagance that characterized dress during this period, with petticoats serving as a key element in creating the desired silhouettes.
The classic high-waisted dress began to decline in popularity in what year?
- 1805
- 1808
- 1811
- 1814
Correct Answer: 1808
Correct Answer Explanation: The year 1808 marked a turning point in fashion, as the classic high-waisted dress began to decline in popularity. This shift reflected a changing aesthetic, with a growing interest in more fitted silhouettes and a desire to emphasize the natural curves of the body.
The pointed shoe, tied sandal fashion, was superseded by what style in 1810?
- The round-toed low shoe
- The square-toed shoe
- The platform sandal
- The boot
Correct Answer: The round-toed low shoe
Correct Answer Explanation: The year 1810 witnessed a change in footwear fashion, as the round-toed low shoe began to supersede the pointed shoe, tied sandal fashion. This shift reflected a growing preference for a more comfortable and practical style, while still retaining a sense of elegance and refinement.
In what year did the Vandyked lace collar and fan setting for the shoulders first appear?
- 1810
- 1814
- 1818
- 1822
Correct Answer: 1814
Correct Answer Explanation: The year 1814 marked the first appearance of the Vandyked lace collar and fan setting for the shoulders. This trend, influenced by the Romantic era and a growing appreciation for delicate details, added a touch of elegance and sophistication to dress styles.
What decorative feature, often embellished with pearls or beads, gained popularity in 1816?
- The stomacher
- The ruff
- The piped shape
- The calash
Correct Answer: The piped shape
Correct Answer Explanation: In 1816, piped shapes decorated with pearls or beads became a popular feature of women’s dress. This trend, which emphasized a sense of refinement and ornamentation, added a touch of sparkle and visual interest to various garments, from bodices to sleeves.
What year did the pointed bodice, with a normal length of waist, start to gain popularity?
- 1818
- 1822
- 1826
- 1830
Correct Answer: 1822
Correct Answer Explanation: The year 1822 marked the rise of the pointed bodice, with a normal length of waist, in fashion. This style, which offered a more fitted and defined silhouette, reflected a shift away from the looser styles of the previous decades and emphasized a more feminine and sculpted figure.
The gathered shoulder, a defining feature of dress styles, first appeared in fashion in what year?
- 1820
- 1823
- 1826
- 1829
Correct Answer: 1823
Correct Answer Explanation: The gathered shoulder, a feature that added volume and softness to dress styles, first appeared in fashion in 1823. This design element quickly gained popularity, becoming a defining feature of dress styles throughout the 1820s and 1830s.
What year saw the development of the full-topped sleeve, with the upper sleeve gradually disappearing?
- 1821
- 1824
- 1827
- 1830
Correct Answer: 1824
Correct Answer Explanation: In 1824, the full-topped sleeve began to develop in size, with the upper sleeve gradually disappearing. This trend, which emphasized a more dramatic and voluminous silhouette, reflected a desire to create a sense of grandeur and elegance.
What year did the sloped appearance in the bodice become noticeable as sleeves were set lower?
- 1824
- 1827
- 1830
- 1833
Correct Answer: 1827
Correct Answer Explanation: The year 1827 marked a shift in dress design, as the sloped appearance in the bodice became noticeable as sleeves were set lower. This trend, which reflected a more relaxed and casual approach to fashion, contributed to the evolving silhouette of the 19th century.
The flat cape replaced the high set-up collar and neck frill in what year?
- 1828
- 1830
- 1832
- 1834
Correct Answer: 1830
Correct Answer Explanation: In 1830, the flat cape replaced the high set-up collar and neck frill in fashion. This change reflected a shift toward a more streamlined and practical approach to dress, with the flat cape offering a more versatile and comfortable option.
What year did the large round sleeve, sometimes tightly pleated into quarters, become popular?
- 1832
- 1835
- 1838
- 1841
Correct Answer: 1835
Correct Answer Explanation: The year 1835 witnessed the rise of the large round sleeve, sometimes tightly pleated into quarters, in popularity. This style, which emphasized a more dramatic and voluminous silhouette, reflected a desire for elegance and a departure from the more fitted styles of previous decades.
Queen Victoria ascended to the throne in what year, marking the beginning of the Victorian era in fashion?
- 1834
- 1837
- 1840
- 1843
Correct Answer: 1837
Correct Answer Explanation: The year 1837 marked a significant turning point in fashion history, as Queen Victoria ascended to the throne. Her reign, known as the Victorian era, ushered in a new era of fashion characterized by elegance, propriety, and a focus on femininity.
What year did trousers become buttoned down the front rather than using a flap?
- 1838
- 1841
- 1845
- 1848
Correct Answer: 1845
Correct Answer Explanation: The year 1845 marked a change in men’s fashion, as trousers began to be buttoned down the front instead of using a flap. This innovation, which simplified the construction and fastening of trousers, became a standard feature of men’s dress for decades to come.
What type of hat, with a small crown, came into fashion in 1850?
- The bowler hat
- The top hat
- The trilby
- The Leghorn hat
Correct Answer: The Leghorn hat
Correct Answer Explanation: In 1850, the large flat Leghorn hat, with a small crown, became fashionable. This style, known for its lightweight and breathable straw material, was popular for its practicality and elegance during the summer months.
The three-cornered French hat, with feathers set in the brim, made a comeback in what year?
- 1858
- 1860
- 1862
- 1864
Correct Answer: 1860
Correct Answer Explanation: The three-cornered French hat, a style that had been popular in previous centuries, made a comeback in 1860. This trend, which reflected a growing interest in historical fashion and a desire for a more flamboyant aesthetic, saw the hat embellished with feathers, ribbons, and other decorative elements.
What year did the crinoline reach its fullest extent in size and influence?
- 1858
- 1860
- 1862
- 1864
Correct Answer: 1860
Correct Answer Explanation: The crinoline, a stiff underskirt that dramatically altered the silhouette of women’s dresses, reached its fullest extent in size and influence in 1860. This period marked the peak of the crinoline era, as the wide, bell-shaped skirts became a defining feature of fashion.
What year did the bell-shaped sleeve reach its fullest shape in popularity?
- 1860
- 1864
- 1868
- 1872
Correct Answer: 1864
Correct Answer Explanation: The year 1864 marked the peak of popularity for the bell-shaped sleeve. This style, which emphasized a more dramatic and voluminous silhouette, reflected a desire for elegance and a departure from the more fitted styles of previous decades.
What style of hair bunched at the back, known as chignons, began to decline in popularity in 1880?
- The chignon
- The bun
- The braid
- The ponytail
Correct Answer: The chignon
Correct Answer Explanation: The year 1880 witnessed a decline in the popularity of the chignon, a style of hair bunched at the back. This trend, which had been popular throughout the Victorian era, reflected a shift towards a more natural and less elaborate approach to hairstyling.