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Trying on a corset at National Museum of Costume

Top five outfits to try on

Step back in time when you step into an outfit from the past.

1. Second World War RAF Coastal Command flying jacket

National Museum of Flight

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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  • Fortunes of War

2. Party clothes

National Museum of Scotland

In our Imagine gallery, young children can dress up in celebratory outfits from different cultures and make some noise with instruments from around the world. Let's get this party started!

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  • Imagine

3. Highlander’s feather bonnet

National War Museum

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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  • Highland Soldier

4. 16th century outfits

National Museum of Scotland

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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  • Kingdom of the Scots

5. Georgian outfits

National Museum of Scotland

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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  • Scotland Transformed

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What are these links?

Dressing up Mary Queen of Scots style

Dressing up Mary Queen of Scots style.

Trying on a Highlander's bonnet

A Highlander's bonnet.

Dressing up in Georgian outfits

Dressing up in Georgian outfits.

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National Museums Scotland, Scottish Charity, No. SC 011130