Why Shirts Have Buttons: The Origins of Clothing - DVD

Why Shirts Have Buttons: The Origins of Clothing

$99         ©2002 Learning Seed, 23 minutes

#LS-1259-02

You've seen histories of clothing that give a century-by-century account of what people wore. We have a better idea - start with what we wear right now and trace it back to its often fascinating and entertaining beginnings.

Learn: 

  • Buttons: True or false? Buttons were invented to hold shirts closed. False. Buttons were originally decoration and wearable art.
  • Wristwatches: The wristwatch was originally a piece of jewelry for women. A man would never wear one. Learn why World War I changed this perception.
  • Shoes: High heels and richly decorated shoes were originally a "guy thing."
  • Shoelaces: Thomas Jefferson made news by giving a speech wearing shoelaces. What do shoelaces have to do with the spirit of democracy?
  • Who put the zip in zippers? Why were zippers invented and who named them? Why do so many zippers bear the mysterious initials YKK?
  • What do these have in common? Zippers, bomber jackets, trench coats, ties, and khaki pants?
  • Shirts: Who ever decided to put those tiny buttons on the flaps of shirt collars? Would you believe they were invented to make playing a sport easier?
  • Sport jackets: Why do many men's suit jackets have a slit in the back? Hint: It too was "invented" to make a sport easier.
  • Gowns: Today's formal wedding dresses are not unlike what upper class women once wore to take a stroll in the park.
  • Hats: Find out what fashion craze led to the creation of the Audubon Society.

International Customers: NOT available for sale in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, South Korea, United Kingdom, or Ireland.