Colonial Period Clothing: Men

Part 1 - Men

The clothing worn during the Colonial Era in the eighteenth-century was an array of great diversity. This time spans the early to mid eighteenth-century, up until the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In a land with a society ranging from royal governors and wealthy landowners to indentured servants and slaves there was no limit to the styles that one would see. The upper class would keep up on the latest fashion from imported garments from London, and would go to great lengths to show themselves in the finest garments.

Mens clothing while still very intricate could be broken down into a few simple components. Suit included a slim-cut, knee-length coat with narrow fitting shoulders and wrists. This coat was worn over a linen shirt, these were white with a high collar accompanied by a hip-length waistcoat, or vest. For pants, men would wear close fitting breeches along with high socks and black shoes. Everyone at the time wore hats - the most typical was a three-sided tri-corner hat. Neck cloths, also called cravat, were also worn by everyone, and varied from plain to lace or fringe edged. As with all places, weather played an large role in establishing the common dress. Northern men tended to wear darker colors and in the south the men tended to wear more elaborate, richly embellished designs.

As for accessories, it became the fashion that men would carry walking sticks, or canes - as time passed this became a sign of prestige. By the middle 18th century wigs would fall out of favor.

I'll add another post soon for Women's Colonial Clothing. See more examples of Men's Colonial Era Clothing and shop for all types of reenactment and historic clothing at Time Travel Outfitters.