Mens' Clothing
Under Garments
Shirt: Made of linen. Serves as a nightshirt and a normal everyday shirt. The men may only own 2-3. These shirts were worn all day everyday for weeks at a time especially in winter. Could be tucked up between the legs in a 'diaper' like fashion since underwear didnt exist.
Stockings: Serve a purpose like socks. These are hand sewn from wool or linen. They are worn on, above, or below the knee. They are tied up with garters. The garters were ribbon, knitted or leather straps, and/or a tie or buckle ensemble.
Stockings: Serve a purpose like socks. These are hand sewn from wool or linen. They are worn on, above, or below the knee. They are tied up with garters. The garters were ribbon, knitted or leather straps, and/or a tie or buckle ensemble.
Foundation Garments
Kerchief: It is made of light material such as: linen, cotton, silk or light wool. It was work around the neck and knotted in front. All men wore some kind of kerchief. Ties had not yet been invented.
Waiscoat: The waistcat could be sleeved or sleeveless and would most likely have alot of buttons because buttons were considered stylish on mens' clohing.
Trousers: They were made of linen cloth. Many men had patches on their pants because they were always getting worn out or torn and that was how they were repaired. In the 1770's shorter trousers calledknee breeches were fashionable. By 1780 most men wore more utilitarian trousers which came to the ankles.
Shoes: They were made by 'cordwainers' or shoemakers. Hobnails and iron heel protectors were put in place to prevent wear and tear damage. The shoes fastened with buckles and had neither left nor right.
Waiscoat: The waistcat could be sleeved or sleeveless and would most likely have alot of buttons because buttons were considered stylish on mens' clohing.
Trousers: They were made of linen cloth. Many men had patches on their pants because they were always getting worn out or torn and that was how they were repaired. In the 1770's shorter trousers calledknee breeches were fashionable. By 1780 most men wore more utilitarian trousers which came to the ankles.
Shoes: They were made by 'cordwainers' or shoemakers. Hobnails and iron heel protectors were put in place to prevent wear and tear damage. The shoes fastened with buckles and had neither left nor right.
Outer garments
In this picture you may see a few things I dont mention. That is because only the soldiers would wear them. If you want to know more go to the 'Clothing in the Colonies: Colonial Soldiers' page.
Hat: They were in many different styles. Generally made from wool or beaver coat and made to look like black felt. These hats had narrow brims and were generally worn by all men.
Frock: Also known as an overshirt. It served two purposes: keeping the other clothes clean, and keeping the man warm. It was usually made of wool.
The bag over the shoulder is known as a haversack. Most men in the militia were the only ones that wore these but some everyday colonial men used them as well if needed. This is explained more in depth on the "Clothing in the Colonies: Colonial Soldiers' link.
Hat: They were in many different styles. Generally made from wool or beaver coat and made to look like black felt. These hats had narrow brims and were generally worn by all men.
Frock: Also known as an overshirt. It served two purposes: keeping the other clothes clean, and keeping the man warm. It was usually made of wool.
The bag over the shoulder is known as a haversack. Most men in the militia were the only ones that wore these but some everyday colonial men used them as well if needed. This is explained more in depth on the "Clothing in the Colonies: Colonial Soldiers' link.