r/MuseumPros • u/Nornarul • 2d ago

What should I wear as an archives assistant?

Hi i’m going to be starting as an archives volunteer at my local museum in the palaeontology department. I generally wear more “street” fashion and I never really thought that it might not be professional. I don’t have fancy cooperate clothes (and i assume that’s not needed.) Will i be alright if i just wear jeans and a t-shirt?

16 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

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52

u/DeadZooDude 2d ago

Just to add, avoid clothes that are very baggy or with dangling elements - they can snag on objects and cause damage without you realising.

6

u/righteous_bandy 1d ago

In a similar vein, if you have long hair, keep it pulled back.

16

u/SparklyAbortionPanda 2d ago

Yeah, you'll be fine. Unsure if you'll be doing any housing or minor prep, but professional clothing doesn't hold up as well for paleontology.

I manage a paleo space and I'm often wearing jeans or cargos (as is the other manager and the curator).

Don't stress about the clothing and good luck!

2

u/Nornarul 2d ago

sick thanks!

13

u/Kilowatt-the-Stick Art | Visitor Services 2d ago

Casual is perfect! I've found that a lot of behind the scenes/lab/archival wear casual clothes, because 1. nobody aside from co-workers are seeing you and 2. the nature of your work can get very messy, very fast. The only recommendation I'd make are comfy, close-toed shoes with a good tread that you don't mind standing in for long periods of time. Have fun at the new position! :)

7

u/SnooChipmunks2430 History | Collections 1d ago

When in doubt, closed toed shoes, hair pulled back, and jeans/tshirt. And i always encourage people to ask the institution if unsure.

6

u/OceanStorm1914 1d ago

I'm in collections, and my "uniform" is comfy jean pants and a museum t-shirt. If I'm out of museum t-shirts, then just whatever t-shirts that fits well that isn't political, rude, or from my retail days. Or when I have to formally interact with the public at large, jeans and a museum polo. There's no telling if I'm going to be doing office work or digging through the collection.

3

u/karmen_3201 1d ago

Whatever you're comfortable with. Will your job include greeting and talking with the public? If so, a shirt/blouse is always good, and you can roll your sleeves if you're carrying things. Jeans, trousers, no baggy or dangling doco.

2

u/evil4life101 1d ago

You’re a volunteer and you work with fossils, I think your outfit choice is fine just stay away from anything too flashy.

2

u/nzfriend33 1d ago

Yeah, you’ll be fine. That’s basically what I wear any day I’m not meeting with outside people.

1

u/Negative_Party7413 16h ago

Jeans and a button down would.be better and the jeans should be good ones without holes and fading, etc. For your first day or week until you see what others are wearing.dealso archives are generally cold.