Do you have any particular information on how to hold together historical cosplay if someone wants to avoid anachronistic zippers or whatever? I just don't hear much about that.
Good question! It really depends on the particular era you’re costuming from, as fashions varied from century to century. But here’s a super-quick rundown of some of the fastener technology available through history:
Brooches and pins, often used to hold necklines shut or keep cloaks in place, go back thousands of years and were used in most civilizations. The style varied according to era and geographical region, but they were a standard item of dress (and often a status symbol) for many centuries.
Buttons have also been around for thousands of years, but modern buttonhole closures as we think of them only go back to the 1200s or so (at least in European fashion). They became widely popular around the 1400s and have never really been out of fashion since, so they’re a pretty safe bet for most Western-culture historical costuming.
Laces on garments came into fashion in the late medieval era (1100s-1200s), when more fitted garments came into vogue. Eyelets, like buttonholes, were hand-sewn and reinforced with thread. Metal grommets were not invented until the 19th century, though, so don’t use those for pre-Victorian fashions.
Hook-and-eye closures have actually been around in some form since about the 1300s, as well. Mass-produced wire hooks and eyes were being manufactured by the 1600s, and were a common method of fastening trousers and dresses up until the early 20th century, when the modern zipper came into prominence. Metal hooks were commonly used in Victorian ladies’ wear to support the weight of skirts and to keep blouses from riding up above the waist.
Metal snaps (or press studs) weren’t invented until the late 19th century. They were used on some men’s trousers and ladies’ sleeves or bodices into the early 20th century, but they didn’t really replace other forms of closure on a wide scale.
That’s just a quick list, but I hope it gives you some ideas for fastening your historical costume pieces!
