1. Colonists of European descent: Early colonists in South Carolina were predominantly of English origin. Their clothing styles reflected the fashions and trends popular in England at the time.
- Men: Men wore breeches (knee-length pants), waistcoats, coats, shirts with cravats or neckcloths, and hats. Styles evolved through time, from the simpler fashions of the early 17th century to the more elaborate and decorative styles of the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
- Women: Women's clothing included dresses, petticoats, bodices or corsets, and various types of headwear. Dresses were typically long, covering the ankles, with full skirts and fitted waists.
2. Enslaved Africans and African Americans: Enslaved individuals brought with them their own cultural influences on dress. However, they were often restricted in their clothing choices by the plantation system.
- Enslaved Africans and African Americans wore simple and sturdy clothing, such as shirts, trousers, and dresses. Often made of rough materials like cotton or wool, the clothes were not as elaborate or of as fine quality as those worn by wealthier colonists.
- Clothing could also vary based on the type of work an enslaved individual performed. For example, those working in the fields might wear more practical and loose-fitting clothing, while those working in the household might wear more refined garments.
3. Native Americans: The indigenous peoples of the region had their own distinct clothing traditions that predated European colonization.
- Native American clothing reflected the cultures and environments of the tribes that inhabited South Carolina. Clothing typically included items like breechcloths, leggings, moccasins, and shirts. Styles and designs varied among tribes, often incorporating materials like deerskin, feathers, and beads.
- Native Americans also adopted some European clothing items, such as shirts and wool blankets, as trade and interaction with colonists increased.
It's worth noting that sumptuary laws, which regulated the use of certain fabrics, colors, and styles of clothing based on social status, were in place in colonial South Carolina. These laws influenced fashion choices and reinforced social hierarchies within the colony.