# Pleated Ruff

- By: anonymous
- Date: c. 1615 - c. 1635
- Medium: linen (material), silk
- Classification: ruff
- Dimensions: height 3 cm x circumference 38 cm
- Credit line: On loan from the heirs of H.G. Rahusen
- Museum: [Rijksmuseum](https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/collection/object/BK-NM-13112--e643bdee96462fdf72a10abc604fc25e)
- Rights: [Public Domain Mark](http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/)
- Picture: https://iiif.micr.io/KDAIu/full/!1920,1080/0/default.jpg
- Who can see it: Teens profiles and older (museums give no ratings; placed by Invisible Network from the museum's own words)

Members of the Dutch elite wore loose collars in the 17th century. Judging from portraits of the period, this particular type of ruff was worn mostly by men. It was made by pleating a long strip of fabric. It contrasted strongly with the dark clothing worn beneath, in effect placing the wearer’s head on a white pedestal.