Clothing & Textiles

hat, quilts, purse and shoes from textile collection

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.

Current Exhibtions

Student Attire
August 16, 2022 – February 5, 2023

From Rhinestones to Denim
October 24, 2023 – April 17, 2024

Exhibits Walkthrough

Video walkthrough of both the Miss America Fashion and Louise Hopkins Underwood Fashion exhibits.

Watch Video

Books for purchase

Cotton and Thrift: Feed Sacks & the Fabric of the American Household
Exhibition run: June 2019 – December 2019
Click here to purchase

Sumptuous Stitches & Tiny Treasures
Exhibition run: May 2021 – January 2022
Click here to purchase

Miss America Fashion
Exhibition run: December 2021 – March 2022
Click here to purchase

Dr. Marian Ann Montgomery was featured on Texas Country Reporter! The episode was filmed in March 2022 and released in November 2022. The episode will be available for viewing via YouTube in June 2023. (Video credit to Texas Country Reporter Facebook Page.)

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.
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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.

Dress & Drinks | Conversations on Dress

Want to learn more about the items in the collection?

Cabin Silk Quilt Preservation Video

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