How to Fake a Colonial Costume
Colonial Day Resources
from Claude Moore Colonial Farm
-
shift (white underdress)
- petticoat (colorful skirt)
- shortgown (like a shirt; this is optional)
- apron
- neckerchief
- cap
Here is how you can “fake it” for a day:
- a plain white shirt with sleeves that go to your elbow or wrist
- a long skirt, either plain, striped or checked
- a handkerchief or cloth napkin, tied at the neck (this was for modesty and to prevent sunburn)
- an apron that ties at your waist and is plain, striped, or checked
- you can either make a cap by taking a circle of white fabric and putting in a drawstring to fit it to your head; or, you can buy one from our online catalog.
Watch a video on 18th century clothing (the first 5 minutes show women’s clothing)
This is the effect you want:
These are the garments that are worn above:
-
shirt (white)
- waistcoat (colorful) — optional
- breeches (knee-length) or trousers (ankle-length)
- neckerchief
- cap or hat — optional
Here is how you can “fake it” for a day:
- a plain white shirt with sleeves that go to your wrist
- plain brown or blue (not jeans) pants– these you can either wear long as trousers, or roll or tuck up to just under your knee for breeches; tie in place with a shoestring for a garter
- a plain vest (optional)
- a handkerchief or cloth napkin, tied at the neck (this helped keep your shirt collar closed; forerunner of the modern necktie)
- a straw or felt hat, or cloth cap if you wish; the popular tricorn hats are available from our online catalog.
Watch a video on 18th century clothing (men’s clothing starts at minute 5:50)
