Description
Students on this course will get the chance to participate in the cut and construction of two different pairs of men’s silk ‘Open’ or ‘Petticoat’ breeches based on exceptionally rare surviving examples that we have studied and included in our upcoming book Patterns of Fashion 7: the content, cut, construction and context of European menswear c.1620-1710.
The breeches will be decorated with elaborate laces, including parchment lace, and ‘knots ‘of ribbons. The course would suit those who have a passion for men’s tailoring and for the many styles and types of decorations used on them.
In addition to the petticoat breeches themselves, we hope to make at least two differing pairs of the kind of legwear worn beneath petticoat breeches in the mid-to late-17th century. Up to four other layers of legwear were worn with them at the same time including silk stockings, boothose and ‘stirop’ hose.
Examples of extant 17th century textiles, garments and accessories worn by both men and women will be available for close examination by students during the course.
TUTORS Jenny Tiramani & Paweł Tomaszewski
5-Day Course – MONDAY 10th AUGUST TO FRIDAY 14TH AUGUST 2026
£250 (This fee is half-price – our normal concession price for 2026 is £100 per day).
10am to 6pm – with a vegetarian lunch and drinks included.
The course will take place at The School of Historical Dress, 52 Lambeth Road, London, SE1 7PP.
Places are non-refundable unless we can re-sell your place. This is the only way we can keep our class sizes small to give each student enough tuition (6 to 8 students per class).
