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- Men in the early 1700's would ordinarily not own more than two outfits. One for everyday and one for Sundays and formal occasions.
- Clothing was made of wool or linen.
- Typically the color of their clothing was white, green, blue, or brown.
- Men did not wear long pants. The traditional pants were called "breeches".
- As a rule when speaking of clothing for men of this time, the typical attire involved a shirt, breeches, stockings, a waistcoat, and a coat.
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Long, short sleeved, off white, linen, with a collar. Did not open all the way down the front and was pulled over the head. Shirt tails reached almost to the knees and would be tucked into breeches. Underpants did not yet exist so before putting on breeches, shirt tails were tucked up around the man's legs somewhat like a diaper. Worn for weeks at a time, during the day at home or in the fields and at night for sleeping, without laundering, especially in the winter. |
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The traditional pants worn by men. They came down to just below the knees. Worn fairly full in the legs and seat, fastened snuggly at the knee. The front opening was formed by a flap or fall of cloth which buttoned to the waistband with three buttons. Could be tightened at the back of the waistband with laces to make the waistband tight enough to rest on the hips. Usually had pockets and often had buttoned knee bands. |
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This vest type garment had no sleeves or collar and was worn over the shirt. It was considered essential to being fully dressed. It might have been made of the same cloth as the rest of the suit or made to accent the rest of the outfit. Buttons down the front were more than was needed but that was thought to be stylish for men. For a man to be seen without his waistcoat was considered "undressed" |
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The top layer of a man's suit and worn over a waistcoat and breeches. Usually made of wool, had several buttons and sleeves with large cuffs. It was a relatively straight, loose garment that reached to the knees with a slight fullness over the hips. There were slits called "vents" on the sides and back to make it fit comfortably when a man rode a horse. |
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There were different styles of felt hats made from either wool or the undercoat of a beaver."Cocked" hats were made of felt and came in brown or black. The "tricorn" was a three cornered cocked hat. Farmers often wore practical "uncocked" felt hats that had a wide brim and a low crown. At home men often wore soft caps or turbans. |
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Shoes were hand sewn by "cordwainers" or shoemakers. There were no right or lefts. They were low heeled pumps make of soft leather. Black was the most usual color and buckles were the primary mode of fastening. Stockings were an important part of a man's outfit. Commonly hand knitted of wool or linen. Generally white in color but might also be blue or gray. The shapeliness of a man's calves was a desirable trait. Stockings were designed to show off shapely calves and padding was sometimes added to accentuate a man's leg. |
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