Garments and accessories are distinctly different in material form and character from other objects of material culture, since objects of dress bear some relationship to the body that wore them. The work of ‘reading’ an object of dress encompasses the gathering, assessment and interpretation of evidence from the object itself. This updated practical guide to object-based research in fashion is designed for students, museum professionals, and instructors, but can also be used by anyone who is interested in fashion since it is written in plain language. This systematic approach to studying objects of dress uses checklists that guide the reader through the necessary steps to unravel the stories of the people, time and place in which these things were made, handled, owned and stored. Such information might be harnessed to write a scholarly paper, to take inspiration from or to recreate a garment, or to engage in other forms of creative practice. 

'A beautiful and informative primer on why materiality matters. Both everyday and extraordinary fashions become legible under Ingrid Mida's guidance, opening new possibilities for research.'
Dr. Annette Becker, Curator and Director of The Texas Fashion Collection, University of North Texas, USA

'Thought-provoking, engaging and accessible, this is an inspiring book introducing students to the study of fashion objects.' 
Dr. Bethan Bide, Lecturer Fashion History, University of York, UK

'This indispensable guide teaches students to see the beauty in rips and stains, construction and cut. It takes us deep into the guts of garments, and guides students to tease of the tales our clothes can tell.'
Dr. Serena Dyer, Associate Professor, De Monfort University, UK and Author of Material Lives

'An invaluable resource for students and specialists and a timely addition to the canon of dress history.'
Vicky Haddock, Project Assistant Curator, Historic Royal Palaces and Lecturer University of Brighton, UK

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY FROM THE BLOOMSBURY WEBSITE

​Available spring 2026