Use these sources for background information or to get an understanding of major concepts.

• The Fairchild dictionary of fashion Ref TT 503 .C34 2003
  Comprehensive guide to fashion terminology.
• Fairchild's dictionary of textiles Ref TS 1309 .F34 1996
  Traces the development of costume from the early middle ages to the 1990s.

• The chronicle of western fashion: from ancient times to the present day Ref CT 511 .P42 1991
  Over 1,000 illustrations of fashion from ancient times to the early 1990's.
• Contemporary fashion Ref TT 505 .A1 C66 2002
  An encyclopedia of fashion designers active during the period from 1945 to the present.
• Costume of the Western world: pictorial guide and glossary Ref GT 513 .Y37 1980
  Traces the development of costume from the early middle ages to 1980.
• Encyclopedia of clothing and fashion Ref GT 507 .E53 2005
  Articles cover the technology, design, and social meaning of dress throughout history.
• Encyclopedia of textiles Ref TS 1309 .J47 1992
  Covers all aspects of textile design, manufacture, weaving processes, as well as key figures in textile history.
• In an influential fashion: an encyclopedia of nineteenth- and twentieth-century fashion designers and retailers who transformed dress Ref TT 505 .A1 I5 2002
  Profiles fashion designers and retailers from many countries who have had the most impact on American dress and culture from the late 19th century to the year 2000.
• The guide to historic costume Ref TT 503 .B33 1995
  A guidebook to the existence and location of historic clothing.

Articles are available in print and electronic sources. The information below will help you decide where to begin searching for articles.