Easy Homemade Colonial Clothes
Colonial clothes show great variation because individuals belonged to different social classes. Some people wore detailed gowns and suits made from fine silks, and others wore plain clothes suitable for working at home or in the fields. If you are dressing for a theatrical production or for a Halloween costume, consider the wealth and status of your character. Follow a pattern based on the typical clothes, but choose fabric that fits your personal style.
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History
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Even in colonial times, what people wore was inspired by the fashion trends and social status. Clothes were made by hand, and poor individuals made their own clothes while the wealthy people had clothes made for them. Gowns and formal coats were made from expensive fabrics like silk, and common clothes were made from wool and linen. Fabrics were dyed or embellished with embroidery to give the clothing a personal touch.
Women's Clothes
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Gowns were commonly worn by wealthy women to parties and balls. Most gowns would have been low-cut, included boning for structure and support, and have a tight-fitting corset component. The skirts of these gowns include several yards of fabric and might have been open in the front to expose a petticoat. To make this garment, a pattern is needed unless you are an expert seamstress and pattern maker. Choose a silk or other rich-looking fabric. Poor women wore petticoats as well, but they did not have elegant gowns; instead, they wore a jacket laced at the front for support, and corsets were rarely worn. If you do not want to make a dress from a pattern, assemble a costume from items you already have like a long skirt or dress in a plain or printed fabric. You can also wear an apron over your dress.
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Men's Clothes
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Wool coats and pants were the common everyday style for men, but like women, men dressed in elegant and expensive clothes. Silk coats with embroidered details and knee britches worn over stockings were the trends for wealthy men at formal events. Servants or poor men also wore pants and jackets, but the fabric was plain, inexpensive and practical. While you require a pattern for detailed coats, most men’s colonial clothes can be assembled from items you might already have in your closet. Men and boys can wear a plain white button-down shirt without logos and khaki pants rolled up to the knee for a britches style. Wear white knee socks tucked under the pants for stockings. Add a vest to the ensemble, if desired.
Details
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Consider using details to make your colonial clothes fit your personality. Use patches on poor clothes with a bright color or patterned fabric; many of these clothes would have patches anyway because they were worn daily. If you are wearing a gown, you do not necessarily need a corset, but you should include boning to give the bodice structure. Embellish gowns and dress coats with metallic thread; use a floral or knotted embroidery design for a rich-looking detail. Do not wear tennis shoes with your costume; wear leather dress shoes or a basic cloth shoe.
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References
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