Clothing & Textile Collections

Digital Costume Collection Guide

Looking to explore the rich tapestry of clothing and textile collections across the United States? CSA’s Digital Costume Collection Guide is your gateway to hundreds of institutions preserving the history of dress—from university archives to regional museums and historical societies. The interactive resource below allows users to search by location, time period, wearer category, and more, making it an invaluable tool for researchers, educators, and enthusiasts alike. Whether you're planning a study tour or seeking inspiration for your next project, the Guide offers a curated path through America’s costume heritage. 

Add to the Guide

We invite you to submit information about your researchable costume collections to this guide through a form that can be accessed through the link below. The submission process is easy and takes just 5 minutes.

Dress & Drinks

Each month, the Dress & Drinks program of our Conversations on Dress webinar series highlights collections around the country. Video recordings can be found on our YouTube Channel.

PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: DAVID A. MEYER II, AKTÁ LAKOTA MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER PETRA SLINKARD, PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM LORI NEUENFELDT, MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY ADAM MACPHÀRLAIN, MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY