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What is a Haberdashery?

Tricia Christensen
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Updated: May 16, 2024
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Haberdashery is not a commonly used word, and where it is used may change the definition. In the UK, a modern haberdashery usually sells needed items like buttons, thread, or ribbons, and on occasion, a store specializes in selling window draperies. In the US, people use the term to refer to men’s clothing stores or men’s departments in stores that sell accessories like gloves, ties, watches, and hats. This is more often called a men’s accessory department, and many in the US are unfamiliar with the term.

Initially, a haberdashery sold all kinds of accessories, something like a medieval five and dime store. Shoppers might find things like buttons, thread, or ribbons, commonly called notions, but such a store might also supply its customers with swords, musical instruments, or simple household items. A description of one in England in the 16th century refers to a number of things in stock: drinking implements, Jews’ Harps, birdcages, mousetraps, and shoehorns. In the US, this assortment of items might be sold in a dry goods store instead.

A haberdasher also has multiple definitions. He may be someone who works in a haberdashery, owns one, or makes the items sold in one. There are few true specialists in men’s accessories. A few employees of exclusive men’s stores may define themselves as haberdashers by trade.

Haberdashery is an odd word, somewhat fun to say, but its origin is unknown. Some suggest it comes from the French English word, hapertas, which translates to "wares" or "pretty wares." It is suggested that hapertas may have referred to a specific type of fabric that is now no longer made.

Anyone who has ever worked in a men’s clothing or accessory store in the US may have once been a haberdasher, according to its current US definition. The list of haberdashers in the past includes some interesting people. The late talk show host Johnny Carson was briefly a haberdasher. James Cook, the famous 18th century British explorer also spent a short period of time as one.

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Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a SmartCapitalMind contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.
Discussion Comments
By anon955924 — On Jun 10, 2014

A British friend of mine often used the word to describe a store that sold fabric.

By anon260845 — On Apr 12, 2012

Can't help but wonder if the word is derived from the French word 'habit' meaning tail-coat, or outfit.

By doppler — On Jul 15, 2010

Normally, if you're looking to tie up loose ends, say for a wedding or formal event, a Haberdashery is the way to go. There is a lot more variety when compared with just an average accessories store for men. In addition to that, people who work in a Haberdashery (Haberdashers) can often explain in better detail the merchandise they have in stock and what it can and is used for.

By anon24025 — On Jan 06, 2009

Haberdashery look- An appearance evoked by combing several tailored men’s wear prints and textures in one outfit. The jacket and shirt shapes also suggest a men’s wear look.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a SmartCapitalMind contributor, Tricia...
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