Ancient history

What type of clothing did the colonial Connecticut men children and women wear?

In colonial Connecticut, the clothing of men, women, and children was largely influenced by the prevailing fashions of England. While there were some regional variations, the following general trends can be observed:

Men's Clothing:

1. Shirts and Waistcoats: Men wore white linen or cotton shirts with high collars and long sleeves. Waistcoats, also known as vests, were commonly worn over the shirt and were often made of wool or linen.

2. Breeches: Men wore knee-length breeches or trousers made of wool, linen, or leather. They were often tied at the knee with ribbons or buckles.

3. Stockings: Long stockings made of wool or cotton were worn to cover the legs.

4. Coats: Men wore woolen coats, typically in dark colors such as black or brown, during colder months.

5. Hats: Men wore various types of hats, including tricorne hats, round hats, and Monmouth caps.

6. Accessories: Men often accessorized with buckles, buttons, and lace on their clothing.

Women's Clothing:

1. Gowns and Petticoats: Women wore ankle-length gowns made of wool, silk, or cotton, depending on their social status and the occasion. Petticoats were worn underneath gowns to add fullness to the skirt.

2. Stays: Women wore stays, also known as corsets, to shape and support their waists.

3. Aprons: Aprons were worn over dresses to protect them from dirt and spills.

4. Head Coverings: Women covered their heads with a variety of headdresses, including bonnets, caps, and kerchiefs.

5. Accessories: Women accessorized with jewelry, such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, as well as gloves, fans, and parasols.

Children's Clothing:

1. Boys: Young boys wore clothing similar to that of adult men, albeit in smaller sizes. They wore shirts, waistcoats, breeches, and stockings.

2. Girls: Young girls wore dresses or gowns made of cotton or wool, often with pinafores or aprons. They also wore bonnets or caps on their heads.

3. Infants: Infants were dressed in swaddling clothes, long robes, or gowns.

4. Accessories: Children might wear simple accessories like scarves or sashes.

It's worth noting that clothing styles underwent gradual changes over time, influenced by evolving fashion trends and cultural developments in the colonies.