Materials:
- Children's clothing was primarily made from natural materials like wool, cotton, linen, and leather. These materials were durable, breathable, and relatively easy to obtain.
General Fashion:
- Boys:
- Younger boys might wear dresses or long shirts called "frocks" until they reached a certain age, typically around 5-6 years old.
- As boys grew older, they would transition into breeches (knee-length pants) with stockings.
- Waistcoats (vests) were commonly worn by older boys.
- Girls:
- Girls usually wore dresses or gowns made from cotton, linen, or wool.
- The dresses might have simple bodices and full, gathered skirts.
- Petticoats were often worn underneath for added warmth and fullness.
- Older girls might wear stays or corsets to achieve the desired fashionable silhouette.
Colors and Patterns:
- Children's clothing was typically in solid colors or simple patterns, such as stripes or checks.
- Dark colors like navy, brown, and dark red were often chosen since they were practical and didn't show dirt as easily.
Accessories:
- Children might wear items such as hats, bonnets, or kerchiefs to protect themselves from the sun and cold.
- Shoes were usually simple, made of leather or fabric, and could be quite plain for everyday wear.
Social Status:
- Children from wealthy families would have access to finer materials, more elaborate clothing, and a greater variety of accessories compared to children from poorer families.
- The clothing also varied depending on the region and climate. Children living in colder climates like New England would have warmer clothing, while children in the Southern colonies might wear lighter materials due to the warmer weather.
It's worth noting that during this period, there wasn't a significant degree of standardization in children's fashion, and styles could vary widely across the different colonies and social groups.