How to Dress Like George Washington

From farmer to general to president, George Washington always understood that clothes make the man. When fighting broke out in 1775, he attended the Second Continental Congress in military uniform, showing that he was prepared for war. As president of our newborn nation, he felt that it was important that the office of president never emulate the European courts. He dressed in simple formal attire, showing that he truly was of, for and by the people.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A tricorn hat
• Knee breeches
• Tailored topcoat
• Velvet waistcoat
• Hessian boots
• White linen shirt
• Silk stockings

1. Start with a long, white linen shirt, tucked into a pair of form fitting silk or linen knee breeches, as every well-dressed eighteenth century gentleman wore.

2. Add a fine linen or velvet waistcoat, buttoned and worn thigh length. Eighteenth century men who appeared in public without one were considered to be undressed.

3. Wear silk, wool, or linen stockings with a buckle type shoe or a pair of Hessian boots polished to a mirror shine.

4. Complete the well-dressed gentleman's ensemble with a velvet topcoat and a tricorn hat.

Tips & Warnings

• Evidence suggests that a majority of eighteenth century men may very well have "gone commando" underneath their breeches.

Resources

• 18th Century Men's Fashions
• Colonial Gentlemen's Clothing: A Glossary
• The Society of 18th Century Gentlemen
• 18th Century Reenactment Clothing Patterns
• Sizing Charts

[Traqqer]

on 12/7/2008 Thanks, I'll think of this when Halloween rolls around again.