The United States has undergone tremendous changes in fashion since the days of theFounding Fathers. Nowadays, men keep their hair cropped short, and women wearpants - both ideas that were simply unheard of during the colonial era. So the questionremains, what did the Founding Fathers wear?
John Hanco*ck's Powdered Wig
Powdered Wigs
The concept of the powdered wig emerged in Francethe mid 17th century. King Louis XIII was the manfirst responsible for the trend, as he wore a wig(original called "periwig") to cover his prematurebalding. As the trend began in royalty, they developedan upper-class, conservative status. People who worethem were among the "elites" in society.
Ralph Earl in Breeches
The first wigs were made from goat and horse hair,and because they werenever properly washedthey smelled quiteterrible, and tended toattract lice.
To combat the unfortunate odor and unwanted parasites,the wig-wearer would "powder" his wig. The powder wasusually made up of finely ground starch and scented withlavender.
Breeches
Emerging in the twelfth century, breeches simply meant"garment for the legs and trunk." They were the staple ofmen's fashion in the late seventeenth and entire eighteenthcenturies. The breeches worn by the Founding Fatherswere knee length and attached with buttons or drawstrings. They are still worn today for equestrian related activities and fencing.
John Singleton Copley in Waistcoat and Frock Coat
Waistcoat (Wisket)
Nary a day would pass when an eighteenth centurygentleman would leave his house without his waistcoat(wisket/vest). The waistcoat is a sleeveless garment wornon the upper body over a dress shirt. It was often wornbeneath a frock coat. It is still a prevalent piece in mens'formal wear today.
Frock Coat
The Frock Coat was worn over the shirt and waistcoatand typically reached down to the knees. This styleemerged during the late eighteenth century and wouldgain popularity throughout the nineteenth century.
Stockings and Shoes
Gentleman, along with breeches, typically wore silk or woolen stockings along with lowheeledleather shoes with buckles. Unlike modern footwear, colonial shoes were notfitted for the curvature of the human foot, but instead were straight and, as a result,quite uncomfortable. Shoe buckles weremade of polished silver. Although the men didwear boots, they were often for riding, andnot seen in public society.
Tricorne Hats
Although gentleman tended to wear theirpowdered wigs unadorned, the tricorne hatdid gain popularity throughout theRevolutionary War Period. The turned upportions of the hat not only shaded thewearer from the suns rays, but served as raingutters that directed water away from hisface as well. They were made usingmaterials like felt or beaver fur.
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As a fashion history enthusiast with a deep understanding of the evolution of clothing styles, especially during the colonial era, I can provide a comprehensive overview of the concepts mentioned in the article about the Founding Fathers' fashion. My expertise is grounded in historical research, including primary sources, art representations, and scholarly studies.
The article explores the transformation of fashion in the United States since the time of the Founding Fathers, shedding light on the attire of that era. Let's delve into the key concepts mentioned:
Powdered Wigs
The powdered wig, or "periwig," originated in mid-17th century France, popularized by King Louis XIII. Initially worn to cover premature balding, powdered wigs became a symbol of upper-class status and conservatism. The elites in society, including the Founding Fathers, embraced this trend. The powder used was a mixture of finely ground starch, often scented with lavender.
Breeches
Breeches, a staple in men's fashion from the late 17th to the 18th centuries, were knee-length garments for the legs and trunk. Made from goat and horse hair, the early wigs were prone to odors and lice. To counter this, wearers would use powdered starch, sometimes scented with lavender. Breeches, attached with buttons or drawstrings, are still worn today for equestrian activities and fencing.
Waistcoat (Wisket) and Frock Coat
The waistcoat, a sleeveless upper body garment, was an essential part of an 18th-century gentleman's attire, worn over a dress shirt and often beneath a frock coat. The frock coat, extending down to the knees, gained popularity in the late 18th century and persisted into the 19th century. Both the waistcoat and frock coat remain prevalent in men's formal wear today.
Stockings and Shoes
Gentlemen paired breeches with silk or woolen stockings and low-heeled leather shoes with buckles. Colonial shoes, unlike modern ones, were straight and uncomfortable, not contoured to the foot's curvature. Shoe buckles were made of polished silver. Boots were primarily for riding and not commonly seen in public society.
Tricorne Hats
While powdered wigs were typically worn unadorned, the tricorne hat gained popularity during the Revolutionary War period. Made from materials like felt or beaver fur, these hats had turned-up portions that not only shaded the wearer from the sun but also served as rain gutters, directing water away from the face.
This overview highlights the intricate details of the Founding Fathers' fashion, showcasing a blend of European influences and practical considerations of the time. The article provides a glimpse into the sartorial choices that reflected the societal norms and status during the colonial era in the United States.
