Fourth of July: Women’s Clothing Styles During the 18th Century

Many Americans will be spending time with family and friends on July 4th. This day is also known as Independence Day, the day when our forefathers dissolved the political bonds between Great Britain and the 13 colonies. They cut themselves away from England and gave themselves the right to have life, liberty, and happiness under a new government.

This historical moment in time took place during the 18th century, also known as the Colonial Times. Women during this century didn’t have the option of dressing for comfort. However, there were times that they could opt for comfort over fashion. During the hot summers, women in Virginia would wear linen and silk since it was lightweight and washable.

Women of the 18th century wore dresses with scooped necklines, sometimes with ruffled edges. Gowns were often made from silk or cotton. Gowns were often made from silk, cotton, linen, wool, or whatever was available. The sleeves were often three-quarters, only stopping at the elbow. The bell sleeve was common and popular at the time. The gowns also featured ruffles, lace edges, and laces that tied up the torso.

As for undergarments, women wore stays or corsets. These linen undergarments were bodices with whalebones that fit around the waist and under the bust. Women would wear these with attached panniers for special occasions. Panniers are the large hoop skirts worn around the hips to create the classic ball gown look. A petticoat was also worn over the panniers and underneath the gown.

Jackets were a common part of any 18th century women’s wardrobe. They were worn for both fashion and for warmth. Quilted petticoat jackets were fashionable even though they were made out of undergarment scraps. Women wore riding jackets that buttoned up to the neck when horseback riding. The jackets would also include bell sleeves to match their gowns. However, these jackets would fall to the wrist instead of the elbow. Women also wore capes in rainy or cold weather.

Women during the Colonial Times loved to wear shoes. Shoes during that time were often made of silk, linen, satin, and leather. They were actually pliable and quite comfortable during those times. Most women wore heels that were between 1 and 2 inches in height. Some shoes were adorned with ribbons, bows, jewels, beading, and patterned fabric.

They also loved to wear bonnets and headdresses during the middle of the century. These elaborate head dresses were so large, that women would have hats to match. Bonnets made from silk, taffeta, or linen were often worn by women of all classes during any occasion when full dress wasn’t required, such as church or a morning stroll.

The 18th century Colonial Times went through many fashion changes. The hoop skirt was replaced by small pads or cushions fastened to the hips and a bustle attached to the back. By the end, it was common to wear a jacket called a caraco. This garment was a cinched-inch, fitted jacket that was made in a masculine style. Women would often wear it with a bodice and skirt out of the same material.

Also, high-heeled shoes were swapped in favor of slippers. There was a satin version for evening affairs and a Morocco leather version for daytime wear. These slippers were described as being for “eccentric young women.”

Celebrate the Fourth of July by taking a trip back to the Colonial Times. We have all kinds of costumes for everyone in your family. It’s the perfect way to celebrate our country’s most historical events from the 18th century!

Colonial Pilgrim Woman Adult Costume

Colonial Lady Adult Costume