OBSCURE FASHION
10 Clothing Items from History That Have Faded into Fashion Oblivion
Published on October 26, 2024
Image: Library of Congress
Fashion is likely the most dynamic realm of human culture, constantly evolving with time. While some trends endure, others soon fade into obscurity, leaving behind fascinating relics of bygone eras. In this article, we will delve into the annals of fashion history to unearth 10 intriguing clothing items that have largely vanished from modern wardrobes.
Crakowes
Image: Marieke Kuijjer, CC BY-SA 2.0
Crakowes, or poulaines, were long, exaggeratedly pointed shoes worn in the 15th century. These shoes were a symbol of status among the European elite, particularly in Poland and England. They featured long, pointed tips that often had to be tied to the wearer's legs to prevent tripping, an impractical feature that arguably showed that the wearer lived a life of leisure.
Zibellini
Image: Zdeněk Macháček
Zibellini, also known as flea furs, were small women's fashion accessories popular in the late Middle Ages. These strange clothing items consisted of the furs of small animals, such as minks or martens, and could be used hanging from the neck or just carried in the hands. Some zibellini were even fitted with jeweled adornments resembling the head of the animal.
Farthingales
Image: Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger, Public Domain
Farthingales were stiff, hoop-like structures worn under skirts during the Renaissance period to create a wide, bell-shaped silhouette. Made of whalebone or steel, these undergarments were markers of status and wealth and thus were common among court women. They eventually fell out of favor as fashion shifted towards slimmer silhouettes.
Chopines
Image: Викидим, CC BY-SA 4.0
Who said platform shoes are a recent invention? Chopines were a type of platform shoes worn by women in the 15th to 17th centuries, primarily in Venice and Spain. The elevated footwear, sometimes reaching heights of up to 20 inches, was designed to protect the wearer's feet from mud and filth on the streets. However, their obvious impracticality led to their eventual decline in popularity.
Crinolines
Image: Metropolitan Museum of Art, CC0
A smaller version of farthingales, crinolines were stiffened petticoats made of horsehair or steel hoops, worn in the mid-19th century to support wide skirts. These undergarments revolutionized fashion by allowing women to achieve voluminous skirts without the weight and discomfort of multiple layers of fabric. However, concerns about flammability hazards at a time when candle lighting and fireplaces were common contributed to their decline.
Fichus
Image: jean-louis zimmermann, CC BY 2.0
Fichus were lightweight scarves or shawls worn around the neck and shoulders in the 19th century. These accessories were often elaborately embroidered or trimmed with lace and were considered essential for completing a lady's ensemble. While fichus added elegance to an outfit, they gradually fell out of favor as simpler and more practical clothing styles became popular.
Spats
Image: Metropolitan Museum of Art, CC0
A shortening of "spatterdashes," spats were fabric or leather coverings worn over shoes and ankles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally designed to protect footwear from dirt and damage, spats evolved into a fashionable accessory for men, particularly in formal attire. However, as shoes became more durable and styles shifted, spats gradually lost their popularity.
Bicornes
Image: Marie-Lan Nguyen (Jastrow), CC BY 2.5
Bicornes were a type of hat worn by men in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Characterized by their distinctive two-pointed shape, bicornes were mostly associated with military uniforms during this period, often worn by army and naval officers. However, with the decline of formal headwear, bicornes gradually disappeared from everyday attire.
Ruffs
Image: Johannes Verspronck, Public domain
Yes, ruffs are those things that made people look just like a dog that has been taken to the vet. These elaborate collars were worn around the neck in the Renaissance and early modern periods. Made of starched linen or lace, they were often a symbol of wealth and status. As with many items on this list, as fashion evolved toward simpler styles, ruffs gradually fell out of favor and were replaced by more understated—and practical—neckwear.
Snoods
Image: Metropolitan Museum of Art, CC0
Snoods were a type of hairnet worn to confine and adorn women's hair during the medieval and Renaissance periods. These functional accessories were often embellished with jewels or embroidery, adding a touch of elegance to hairstyles. However, as hairstyles became more elaborate and varied in later periods, snoods gradually lost their usefulness and prominence.
