A dictionary of men's wear

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

76299

Title

A dictionary of men's wear

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A Dictionary of Men's Wear by William Henry Baker is a comprehensive reference covering raw materials, production stages, selling terms, and trade slang for the men's clothing industry. Published in 1908, this work offers curious definitions on uniforms, fabrics, and tailoring techniques with a witty, sometimes cynical tone.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1908 by William Henry Baker, *A Dictionary of Men's Wear* stands as an extensive glossary designed for the men's clothing trades. The text meticulously defines terminology related to raw and finished products, various stages of production, selling terms, and popular slang. It serves as a comprehensive reference covering everything from fabric types like worsteds, tweeds, and silks to specific tailoring details such as facing, lapels, pocket construction, hat styles, and shoe terms. The volume dedicates significant attention to military uniforms, providing detailed entries on the dress codes of ancient independent companies and the Marine Corps. These descriptions cover everything from field coats and trousers to full dress uniforms, including specific regulations for officers and enlisted men regarding materials, colors, and accessories like sabers and sashes. Additionally, the book includes an appendix featuring useful tables and charts detailing correct dress and livery. Baker writes with a unique blend of technical precision and humor, capturing the vocabulary of the era's fashion and manufacturing sectors. The work offers insights into both high-end tailoring and utilitarian workwear, acknowledging the contributions of retailers, manufacturers, mill owners, and advertisers. By dedicating the book to these key industry figures, Baker highlights its practical utility for professionals ranging from custom tailors and clothiers to shoe dealers and haberdashers. Ultimately, the dictionary preserves a snapshot of early 20th-century sartorial culture, bridging the gap between technical trade jargon and the evolving world of men's fashion.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/76299.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg76299.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-08-21 21:10 UTC

Categories

• Clothing & Dress
• Tailoring