Clothing In The 1700s

1 B.C. and Before
In the ancient times, clothing wasn’t just for looking good, it was to protect you and keep you warm during the harsh winters. Most babies didn’t even wear anything. Sometimes they wore cloth diapers. If it was cold of course, they would be more wrapped up.
Children also often wore only cloth wrapped around their middles like shorts.

In these times, men wore tunics, a sort of knee-length t-shirt made of wool or linen.
They often wore it only over one shoulder. They would wear a wool cloak if it was cold out and would use them as blankets if they needed to (for example, if they were fighting in a war). Their legs were bare and they wore leather sandals if they weren’t barefoot.
Many men went barefoot their whole lives.
In the 1800s, women started wearing knickers. Suspenders were invented by Albert
Thurston. Soon after that, the safety pin was invented. Women began wearing bustles that made their dresses bulge in the back.

Clothing in the 1700s 1800- the present
Fashion in the 1800s changed dramatically as the 19th century began. Dresses
Became slightly more structured with padded hems and firmer fabrics. Soft colors
Returned after a 10 year absence. Sleeves began to grow fuller at the shoulder, and high waists endured throughout this period. Skirt hems widened ever so slightly. In the 1830s, the first cross cut sleeves appeared. The previous shoulder fullness
Dropped toward the elbow and sleeves became enormous. Ankle length skirts became quite full and needed several petticoats beneath for support.

By 1855, the cage crinoline or hoop had swayed on to the scene and skirts expanded to
Their maximum size. Women were delighted to wear the cage as it provided relief from
The weight of numerous petticoats and the plethora of undergarments that needed to be
Washed. The hoop was worn almost universally.

In the early 1870s, the shoulders were allowed to return to the position
Cotton and linen was used for the summer. 1800s-the present (cont.)
In the early 1900s, fashion began to loosen up. Softer lines rather than using corsets.
Tea gowns were worn, having a long, slim shape. Pleated skirts were worn with belts at the hip. Peasant dresses had embroidered designs.

In the 1920s, certain women still wore conservative dresses, but younger women made sportswear a fad. Tubular dresses were popular amongst teenagers along with shorter skirts.

In the 1930s, sportswear was still popular. Bright, wool swimsuits became a fad with large hats.

During this time of war, the 1940s, fashion became very simplified because shops closed down. Skirts were drastically lengthened and widened.
American ready-to-wear fashion became a necessity.

In the 1950s, short skirts and wide shoulders took over the era. Hourglass silhouettes were widely favored. Poodle and circle skirts were popular amongst young women while pencil skirts were for older women.

In the 1960s, go-go boots became very popular. The bikini came into fashion, the mini skirt was introduced, and false eyelashes were worn. Wild prints and colors covered garments. Women also wore bell bottom