What We Wore

Explore a changing exhibit of garments and their stories in What We Wore, a collections platform showcasing the rich collection of clothing and accessories at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation^®.  

The 1960s was an era of exploration and pushing boundaries. It was the Space Age — Americans envisioned an exciting future that was convenient and automated. New materials and disposability were in. Find out how one novel promotional gimmick turned into a fashion movement by examining a few favorites from our collections.

Take a closer look at a bold new addition to our textile collections: the "Nude is Not a Color" quilt, a statement in fabric designed as a response to racial bias in the garment industry. Created by many hands and many voices, this powerful quilt will be exhibited along with personal reflections from the quilt’s contributors. Find out how an inspiring story was stitched together by experiencing this recently acquired artifact.

By the 20th century, recreational sports were an increasingly popular part of American life. Pedaling a bicycle, playing a game of baseball or golf and taking a swim were ways to get physically fit while having fun — and there were outfits for each. Enjoy a special look at athletic wear from our collections to find out how Americans dressed as they delighted in the “sporting life” during their leisure time.