Clothing and Fashion in Southern History

Explore the intricate relationship between clothing and the Southern economy in Clothing and Fashion in Southern History by Ted Ownby. Published by the University Press of Mississippi in 2020, this thought-provoking collection of essays spans 174 pages, delving into the South's long-standing engagement with a global economy through the lens of fashion.

Ownby examines how garments, from cotton harvested by enslaved and underpaid workers to stylish creations influenced by cosmopolitan trends, reflect a complex narrative of cultural exchange and economic interdependence. The essays reveal the journey of clothing from distant factories to Southern shops, often managed by immigrant merchants, highlighting the multifaceted nature of fashion in shaping Southern identity.

This book is essential for anyone interested in the intersections of history, culture, and fashion in the Southern United States. Discover how clothing tells a story of resilience, adaptation, and global connections.