Matters of race, gender, and class form part of the content in each entry, since those elements may be differentiated, depending on the country, by garments, jewelry, accessories, makeup, body paint, and body modifications. . . . Recommended.

Choice

This work has many strengths. It makes it clear from the start that most examples of clothes preserved in museums around the world belonged to the aristocracy and the elite, and are not representative of what ordinary citizens would wear. . . . [F]or those looking for an addition to their fashion or general history collection, this is an excellent, accessible, and affordable option.

Reference Reviews

Traditional costumes from more than 130 nations, regions, and islands are detailed in 80-plus entries. The basic entry format is an overview of the nation's history and geography, a synopsis of typical style of clothing for men and women, and, in some cases, mention of jewelry, special occasion/regional dress, and body modification/body art. The nontechnical, straightforward material is written by specialists, such as fashion historians and museum curators, many of whom reside in the country of which they write. Articles of clothing are well described and often accompanied by black-and-white photographs.

Library Journal

Overall, the Encyclopedia of National Dress offers a good introduction to an important visual marker of any cultural group's clothing.

ARBA