Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to frequently asked questions about visiting the Westminster Menswear Archive, using the collection, photography, donations, loans and image licensing.
What does the collection include?
The Westminster Menswear Archive collection spans more than 250 years. It includes garments by designers and brands such as A-COLD-WALL*, Ahluwalia, Alexander McQueen, Berghaus, Burberry, C.P. Company, Issey Miyake, Joe Casely-Hayford, Prada, Stone Island, Umbro, Vexed Generation and Vivienne Westwood.
The collection also includes workwear, civilian and military uniforms, sportswear and leisurewear, technical and protective clothing, underwear and knitwear. We also hold a smaller research collection of books, magazines and printed ephemera relating to the history of menswear.
You can search the online catalogue to explore the collection.
Is the full collection available online?
Most of the collection is online. We are progressively cataloguing and photographing the collection to make all of our holdings available. New records and images are added regularly.
If your area of interest is not represented online, or you can’t find what you are looking for, include details of the garments, designers, brands or subjects you wish to research when making a visit enquiry.
Who can visit the Archive?
The Archive welcomes University of Westminster students and staff, students and researchers from other institutions, independent researchers, design teams and organised groups. All visits must be arranged in advance.
How do I arrange a visit?
Visits are available by prior appointment. Please see our visit page for further information and to make an enquiry.
Is there a charge to visit?
Visits are free for University of Westminster students. Students from other universities are charged £10 per visit, which includes permission to take photographs for personal research.
Charges for designers and industry visitors vary according to the length of the visit, the resources required and the specific needs of the project. Please see our Industry Services and Fees guide for further information.
What can I expect from a visit?
Research appointments normally last two hours. Visitors can explore a specialist research collection of more than 3,000 menswear garments and accessories, with a dedicated study space for closely examining individual pieces.
A member of the Archive team will be available throughout your appointment to answer questions and help guide your exploration of the collection.
Can I request particular garments?
Yes. When arranging your appointment, please provide catalogue references or details of the garments, designers, brands or subjects you wish to research. The Archive team will confirm what can be made available during your visit.
Can I handle the garments?
Yes. The Archive operates as a reference library of garments. During your visit, you may browse the collection, handle pieces carefully and examine fabrics, construction and details up close. Archive staff will advise you on the appropriate handling of individual items.
Garments and accessories may not be tried on.
Can I take photographs during my visit?
University of Westminster students may photograph garments and accessories during their visit. Students from other universities may also take photographs for personal research as part of their £10 visit fee.
Photography is subject to any restrictions given by Archive staff.
Can designers and industry visitors take photographs?
Photography is not included as standard with design or industry visits. Requests for limited reference photography must be made in advance. If approved, an additional fee will be charged based on the number of items and the intended use.
Photographs may be used only for the purpose agreed with the Archive. Visitors are welcome to sketch garments and details during their appointment.
Can I publish or share photographs taken during my visit?
Photographs taken during a visit may be used only for the purpose agreed with the Archive. For students and researchers, this normally means personal research, private study and coursework that will not be made public. For design and industry visitors, photographs may be used only for the internal reference purpose agreed in advance.
Photographs may not be published, posted online, shared externally or reproduced without written permission from the Archive. Commercial use requires a separate licence.
Can I license images of garments in the collection?
Yes. We are progressively documenting the Archive’s garments and accessories through high-resolution photography. Low-resolution images published in our online catalogue are provided for personal research only.
To reproduce an image in a book, magazine, exhibition, website or other public or commercial context, please contact mensweararchive@westminster.ac.uk. Include the image or catalogue reference and details of its intended use.
Licence fees vary according to the type and extent of use. Permission is subject to image availability and any applicable copyright or third-party restrictions.
Can I donate garments or objects to the Archive?
Yes. We consider donations of menswear garments, accessories and related objects that support the Archive’s teaching and research collections. Accepted items may be used by students, researchers and designers, and may also be included in exhibitions or loans.
All proposed donations are assessed against our Collection Development Policy. We cannot accept womenswear or items that fall outside the collection’s scope. Donors must have clear legal ownership of the items and the authority to transfer that ownership to the Archive.
Please do not send or bring items to the Archive without prior agreement. To propose a donation, contact mensweararchive@westminster.ac.uk with details of the item. For further information, please read our Collection Development Policy.
Do you lend or hire pieces from the collection?
Yes. We lend garments and accessories to accredited museums and recognised cultural institutions for temporary exhibitions. We also offer a specialist fashion reference hire service for designers and brands.
All requests are considered individually. To discuss a potential loan or hire, contact mensweararchive@westminster.ac.uk with details of your project and the items required.
Do you provide identification, authentication or valuation services?
No. The Archive does not identify or authenticate privately owned items, establish provenance or provide financial valuations. You should contact a suitably qualified independent specialist, dealer or auction house.
Items offered for donation will be assessed against our Collection Development Policy, but this does not constitute authentication or valuation.