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What is a Haberdasher?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A haberdasher is someone who deals in small sewing articles related to clothing, or in clothing itself. The meaning of the word is actually different, depending on where in the world one is. In the United States, most people take the word to mean someone who deals in men's clothing, including suits, accessories, and so forth. In Britain and Australia, a haberdasher is someone who sells sewing notions such as buttons, zippers, trim, lace, and other sundries. The divergent meanings of this word reflect the divergence in spoken English which occurred surprisingly early in American history.

This word first emerged in the 13th century, and initially it was used in reference to peddlers who sold any number of sundries, from pots and pans to buttons. The term may come from a Scandinavian root, but its origins are obscure. It certainly does not have anything to do with “dashing” anywhere, and it may come from hapertas, a word meaning “small wares.” Whatever the origins, it was in common use by the 16th century.

Haberdashery is an old term used to denote hat sales, among other items.
Haberdashery is an old term used to denote hat sales, among other items.

Around the 1700s, divergent meanings for this word began to appear. In some regions, people started using the term specifically to refer to a seller of hats. Although English speakers in Britain thought of haberdashers as salesmen of various sewing supplies, Americans referred to men's clothing stores as “haberdasheries.” This may have been the result of a trend towards off-the-rack suits in the United States, and perhaps some people who sold sewing supplies ended up selling men's garments instead, retaining their names and confusing the meaning of “haberdasher.”

Haberdashers will often carry notions such as buttons.
Haberdashers will often carry notions such as buttons.

This term is not widely used today, although some old businesses retain the name “haberdasher's” or “haberdashery,” reflecting the fact that they were established in a bygone era. Some people today use the term in reference to hat sales, and the profession also turns up in books set in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Some people also simply enjoy the old-fashioned sound of “haberdasher,” including the word in parodies, poems, and fanciful stories.

Future U.S. President Harry Truman worked as a haberdasher before entering politics.
Future U.S. President Harry Truman worked as a haberdasher before entering politics.

Some notable people have been employed as haberdashers at some point in their lives. Harry S. Truman, a former President of the United States, worked as a haberdasher in his youth, as did Captain James Cook, the famed British explorer. In Cook's case, he was actually a full apprentice, training to take over the business before eventually losing interest and pursuing a life at sea.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Haberdashery is an old term used to denote hat sales, among other items.
      By: Ian Bruce
      Haberdashery is an old term used to denote hat sales, among other items.
    • Haberdashers will often carry notions such as buttons.
      By: NorGal
      Haberdashers will often carry notions such as buttons.
    • Future U.S. President Harry Truman worked as a haberdasher before entering politics.
      By: Blue Moon
      Future U.S. President Harry Truman worked as a haberdasher before entering politics.
    • A haberdasher may sell zippers and other fastening products for clothing.
      By: amelie
      A haberdasher may sell zippers and other fastening products for clothing.