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The Probert Encyclopaedia of Costume

VANDYKE

A Vandyke was an 18th century broad collar of linen or lace with the edge cut deeply into large points in imitation of a style of collar frequently depicted in paintings by the 17th century painter Vandyke.
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VANDYKE BEARD

Picture of Vandyke Beard

A Vandyke beard is a short beard cut to a V-shaped point.
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VARSITY JACKET

Picture of Varsity Jacket

A varsity jacket is an American blouson, usually made of heavy woollen fabric, with leather sleeves with knitted cuffs and waistline and with a collar. Typically they have the name of a college football team embroidered on them.
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VELCRO

Picture of Velcro

Velcro is a proprietary form of fastener comprising two sides, one side a mass of tiny plastic hooks, the other side a furry material into which the hooks grip when pressed together. Velcro is very easy to fasten and release, and is widely used in garments designed for children.
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VELDSKOEN

Originally, veldskoen were light shoes made of untanned hide. Now the term is applied to walking boots made of strong, but light leather or suede.
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VELOUR

Velour is a pile fabric woven from woollen or cotton yarns or from a mixture of these yarns. It is finished to present a raised, smooth, furry pile. The term is also applied to a material made from rabbit furs, largely employed in the manufacture of hats.
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VELVET

Velvet is a textile fabric formed by interweaving silk threads to form a nap or pile. It was first manufactured in the 14th century and was introduced to Britain by Huguenots in 1685.
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VELVETEEN

Velveteen is a textile fabric formed by interweaving cotton threads to form a nap or pile. It is similar to velvet.
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VERTUGADO SKIRT

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A vertugado skirt is a women's bell-shaped skirt from Spain. The shape is maintained by the presence of cane strips, known as aro, inserted at regular intervals.
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VISITE

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A visite is a woman's sleeveless, or short-sleeved cape or mantle, formerly fashionable in Britain in the late 19th century.
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VIYELLA

Viyella is a trade name for a woven fabric of wool and cotton, invented by William Hollins and Company in the late 19th century and used for making nightshirt's and underwear. During the 20th century the material became popular for also making pyjamas, jumpers and shirts.
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VOILE

Voile is a fine, sheer, semi-transparent plain-woven fabric of tightly-twisted yarns, traditionally made of wool, silk or cotton, and more recently synthetic fibres. Voile has been used since the 19th century to make blouses and dresses.
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