Clothing & Textiles

The Clothing and Textiles Division of the Museum of Texas Tech University comprises over 32,000 objects. Its purpose is to provide examples of design for study and research. Of particular focus are items designed, made or used by tastemakers of all socio-economic levels in Texas and the Southwest as well as items that typically would have been used by tastemakers. Objects are collected for their artistic and historical value.

The loan of a frontier woman’s drawn work apron, a gingham sunbonnet and homespun cotton stockings initiated the Clothing and Textiles Collection of the Museum in 1937. Today the remarkable, many-faceted collection, spanning 240 years, is evidence of the generosity and foresightedness of numerous individuals whose donations both of objects and acquisition funds has enriched the collection and added to the knowledge of the past.

Employing this valuable collection through exhibitions, “Come and See” and other public programs, and publications, the staff endeavors to actively engage the campus, community and broader research community. The purpose is to enhance the audience’s understanding of themselves, their society and their world, to empower them to be ethical and productive citizens of the 21st century and to enrich their lives.

Collection Policy

Collecting Policy for the Clothing and Textiles Division of the Museum at Texas Tech University:
The Clothing and Textiles Division welcomes donations of objects that fit within the framework of pieces that would have been worn, made or used by tastemakers. This includes materials of good design from all socio-economic classes. The goal is to provide quality design inspiration for the design students at Texas Tech University. The items should be in good condition (minor stains ok), cleaned, and pressed. In the case of quilts this does not necessarily mean that they must be washed but should be free of odors. Because of limited storage space and because the collection already has many fine examples, the following items are generally not accepted: wedding dresses, christening dresses, military uniforms, handkerchiefs, doilies, and hats.

Current Exhibitions

Timeless & Repurposed
October 1, 2025 – May 11, 2026

Shade, Shimmer, and Style
July 12, 2025 – February 1, 2026

Books for Purchase

Come and See Program

The Come and See programs at the Museum of Texas Tech University offer a look into the massive closet that is the Museum’s Clothing and Textiles collection.
Learn more »

Library

The Clothing and Textiles Research Library at Texas Tech University contains many books related to the history of fashion, needlework, textiles, quilts, dolls, and needlework tools.  A complete list of holdings and fully scanned copies of the volumes ( if it is out of copyright protection) is available for your viewing.

C&T Library »

Videos

C&T public program featuring Leon Weibers (Professor of Costume Design and Chair of Theatre Arts at Loyola Marymount University)

Curator of Clothing and Textiles Dr. Marian Ann Montgomery interviews fashion designer Nancy Johnson.

Curator of Clothing and Textiles Dr. Marian Ann Montgomery interviews quilt historian and collector Lisa Erlandson.

Curator of Clothing and Textiles Dr. Marian Ann Montgomery takes us through the preservation of a silk quilt.

Dress and Drinks Program | Conversations on Dress between the Museum’s Curator of Clothing and Textiles, Dr. Marian Ann J. Montgomery, and the Costume Society of America.

Dr. Marian Ann Montgomery was featured on Texas Country Reporter! The episode was filmed in March 2022 and released in November 2022. (Video credit to Texas Country Reporter Facebook Page.)

More C&T videos on YouTube »

Want to learn more about the items in the collection?

New research, new acquisitions and general interest items from the world of fashion and textiles are shared on the Clothing and Textiles of the Museum of Texas Tech blog