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Costume Design: Getting Started

A guide to library resources on costume design, construction, and history.

Tips for Exploring the Library

The books in Vanguard's Library are arranged using the Library of Congress Classification System. This means that books on similar subjects are grouped together using an assigned location "Call Number." So, if you find one book that might be interesting, it is best to browse the shelves around that particular book to see if there is any other books of interest.

Specific Call Numbers on Costuming:

  • Costume and Fashion: GT 500–GT 2370
  • Costume Construction: TT 500–TT 975
  • Costume Design and History: PN 2067
NOTE: These are not the ONLY places to look. If you are researching Eighteenth Century British Fashion, it would be good to look up relevant topics outside of the the specific Call Numbers above, using the library catalog. See the next tab on "Useful Subject Headings" to understand more.

While a book can only be in one place at one time, a book can have multiple subject headings assigned. So, to find all books on a certain subject, it's best to search the library catalog (available from the main library website).

  • Under the search box labeled "VANCAT," click the link to Advanced Search underneath the "Search" button.
  • Under the "Search Index" field, "Keyword" is shown. Click the dropdown menu and select Subject.
  • Try a search by entering one of the subject headings listed below, and click the Search button.
  • Whenever you find a book or an article in any of library's catalogs or databases, it is always good to examine the record and see what subject headings are given. Those subject headings can lead you to more material. Think of those subject headings as "virtual" Call Numbers.

Here are some subject headings that are directly related to costuming.

  • Clothing and dress        
  • Clothing and dress--social aspects 
  • Costume    
  • Costume--pictorial works    
  • Costume designers   
  • Costume design--history
  • Costume design--20th century 
  • Costume jewelry 
  • Design                  
  • Fashion         
  • Hats                   
  • Pattern books 
  • Sewing   
  • Tailoring--Pattern design   
  • Textiles 
  • Women fashion designers
Remember! You will be able to find content related to costuming under other subjects that are relevant (Eighteenth Century Fashion, Native American Culture, Mining Culture, etc.).

Using the Library Catalog

Check out the "Library 101 Guide" for more information on searching the library catalog.

Library Tools

Install LibKey Nomad!

  • Go to libkeynomad.com 
  • Select your browser
  • Download and install
  • Select Vanguard University
  • Go! Check out Wikipedia, PubMed, Sage, and other websites and look for LibKey links.
  • Look for the "Access Options" button on the websites you visit.

Helpful Links