1. Second World War RAF Coastal Command flying jacket
This jacket is a bulky garment and it can’t have been easy to
fly a plane while wearing it! There are no pockets as these might
have got caught when you tried to bail out. The Coastal Command
jackets were different from other Royal Air Force jackets, having
bright yellow hoods which made you easy to spot if you were
unfortunate enough to end up in the sea.
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2. Victorian corsets
Breathe in! These replica corsets, made as copies of similar
garments in the collection, give you a real sense of what it must
have been like for women and children in the past. Gentlemen are
very welcome to try them on too and often do. A very supportive
experience!
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3. Highlander’s feather bonnet
Look fearsome in this replica Highland soldier’s ostrich feather
bonnet! Highlanders started adding feathers to their knitted hats
in the 1700s. Despite looking impractical, the clever design of a
corset-like cage covered with feathers, offers protection from
blows and makes you look bigger, while still being cool, ventilated
and lightweight. See if you can find the hidden pocket!
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4. 16th century outfits
In the Discovery Zone on Level 1 of the Museum you can look the
part and feel the part, dressed as a member of a noble family from
the time of Mary, Queen of Scots. These replica garments or adults
and children are beautifully crafted from rich velvet, satin and
brocade, giving you a true sense of the period as you practise your
curtseys to Scottish Renaissance music.
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5. Georgian outfits
In the Discovery Zone on Level 3, you can listen to music of the
period as you and your family dress for the 18th century. Ladies,
why not try the everyday ‘undress’ – a stylish jacket that would
have been worn as the equivalent of our casual-wear. It was never
seen outside the home, heaven forbid! Gentlemen, you can button up
in a magnificent man’s coat and tricorn hat.
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