Chris EnssHow the West Was Worn: Bustles And Buckskins On The Wild Frontier

Chris Enss is a wonderful author and her ability to pick a subject for a book and then turn it into something very educational and entertaining is phenomenal! I really enjoyed this book, because I actually had never given much thought to the apparel of women in the Wild Frontier, but this book brings it all to life. I enjoyed it very much. Would recommend it to any woman who enjoys learning about clothing and styles in any era.

First, let me say that this book does say a lot of interesting things about the Old West, like how cowboys dressed in different states, how certain fashions, like bib-front shirts, came to be, and what different professions wore. However, with regards to women's fashion, it got a lot wrong.A great deal of the information given is generalized--expansive statements that cover the entire Victorian period, but aren't necessarily true for any particular year, and might be outright false during some years. Fashions changed very rapidly during the late 1800s, and something that might've been all the rage in 1890 might have not have even existed in the 1860s or 1870s. And, some of what the book says is outright wrong. For example, at one point it tells us that women wore huge hoopskirts through the whole second half of the 1800s and then styles abruptly changed to the more practical bloomer. In fact, hoopskirts were only around for a decade or so, and bloomers were a type of trousers worn only by a few brave women who were gaped at and criticized.At some points, the book actually contradicts itself. And, despite the title, it has very little to say about bustles. Some of what it said about men's fashions seemed odd, as well. I would say, buy it if you want to read about the Old West, but take everything it has to say with a grain of salt and verify the information elsewhere if you're interested in accuracy.

As one of those wives who attend Civil War and Victorian reenactments and events, I found this book very helpful. I love history and reading about what people wore in the past and glad I bought this. Lots of info.

If clothes truly "make the man (or woman)" a lot can be learned from how people costume themselves. This book is an excellent and entertaining source of such learning.

This is an excellent book for the entertainment value, if you don't mind that the facts are all wrong, or if you want to write a screenplay for Hollywood. If you are looking for historical accuracy and facts do NOT buy this book. As a historian I purchased the book for entertainment value and my interest in the American West. Once I started reading it I quickly realized that the facts presented here are inaccurate and what is accurate is so broadly stated in generalized statements. Thus this book became a source of irritation. Overall most of the facts are just wrong, they are presented poorly, and there are few citations to back up the author's claims. This is a book of Hollywood fiction.

I was excited about receiving this book. I'm a western painter and wanted to see clear examples of the clothing worn in the 19th century west along with the descriptions. Sadly, the entire book is printed on seemingly uncoated paper which causes the photos to be dark, murky and completely void of detail. Many of the shots of people wearing traditional dark clothing were mere shadowy shapes. The lighter color clothing shots were with little contrast, so details disappeared. Except for line drawings, not much is clear to the eye. Very disappointed. I won't comment on the writing, which may be good, or I'd have given it one star. I won't likely open it a second time.

Great book on clothes from the old west.

Not worth the money.Disappointed.

Fun book of clothing trivia for both men and women during the pioneer days of America. I love the thought of burly cowboys losing their hat and having to wear a pioneer woman's bonnet. This really happened!