Historically accurate Pilgrim clothing offers a fascinating glimpse into the practical and modest fashion of the 17th century. Pilgrims, known for their simple, functional attire, wore garments crafted from natural fibers like wool and linen.
Their clothing choices were rooted in their Puritan values, emphasizing modesty and durability. In this post, we’ll explore what Pilgrim clothing truly looked like, from doublets and breeches to gowns and shifts.
We’ll also delve into the colors, materials, and cultural significance behind these garments, revealing how these settlers adapted to their new environment while staying true to their values.
Discover how historically accurate Pilgrim clothing remains a key part of 17th-century history.
Understanding Pilgrim Clothing: A Blend of Function and Modesty
The Pilgrims were English settlers who arrived in the New World in 1620 aboard the Mayflower. Their clothing choices were influenced by their Puritan values, which emphasized simplicity, modesty, and practicality.
The attire was not only a reflection of their religious beliefs but also a necessary adaptation to the harsh conditions they faced in early America.
Men’s Clothing: The Core Elements of Pilgrim Attire
Pilgrim men’s clothing was designed to be functional and modest. The following garments were standard in a Pilgrim man’s wardrobe:
Doublet: The Foundation of Men’s Fashion
The doublet was a fitted jacket worn by Pilgrim men, typically made from wool. This garment was essential for warmth and function. Doublets often had long sleeves and were buttoned down the front.
They were worn over a linen shirt, serving as both a protective layer and a form of modesty. Doublets were common in England during the early 17th century and remained a staple of Pilgrim men’s wardrobes upon their arrival in the New World.
Breeches: Practical and Functional Garments
Knee-length breeches, worn with garters or ties, were another key component of Pilgrim men’s attire. These trousers were practical for labor and daily tasks.
The knee-length design made them ideal for walking and working in the fields, while garters kept them secure. Breeches were typically made of wool or linen, which helped keep the wearer warm and comfortable.
Shirts: Simple Yet Essential
Underneath their doublets, Pilgrim men wore linen shirts. These shirts were basic, functional garments, often without much decoration. The shirt’s simple collar and loose fit made it comfortable for daily wear.
In addition to serving as an undergarment, these shirts often doubled as sleepwear, adding to their versatility.
Stockings and Shoes: Protecting the Legs and Feet
Pilgrim men wore wool or linen stockings to cover their legs and provide warmth. These stockings were practical for both cold weather and the long hours spent working outdoors.
For footwear, Pilgrims opted for sturdy leather shoes, often featuring buckles. These shoes were durable, offering both comfort and protection for the wearer’s feet.
Hats: The Pilgrim’s Signature Accessory
A wide-brimmed felt hat was a common accessory for Pilgrim men. The hats were practical for protection against the sun and rain.
They were often adorned with a simple band, but their primary function was utilitarian. These hats also became an iconic element of Pilgrim fashion in modern depictions.
Outerwear: Cloaks and Capes for Cold Weather
Pilgrims, particularly in the colder months, wore wool cloaks or capes. These garments provided extra warmth during long winters and were essential for staying warm while working outside or attending religious services.
Cloaks and capes were often dark in color, further adhering to the Pilgrims’ preference for modest and simple clothing.
Women’s Clothing: Modesty, Warmth, and Practicality
Pilgrim women’s clothing mirrored that of their male counterparts in terms of simplicity and functionality. However, there were some distinctive garments designed to ensure modesty and practicality for women.
Gowns: Modest and Simple Garments
The gown was the primary garment worn by Pilgrim women. Typically made from wool or linen, these gowns featured a fitted bodice and a full skirt.
The gown’s design was simple, with little to no embellishment, emphasizing the Pilgrims’ religious values of modesty. Gowns were often layered for warmth, particularly in the colder months.
Shifts: The Underlayer of Modesty
Underneath their gowns, Pilgrim women wore linen shifts. The shift was a basic garment that served as both an undergarment and sleepwear. It was loose-fitting and comfortable, providing warmth and modesty without restricting movement.
The shift was an essential part of the Pilgrim woman’s wardrobe, ensuring a simple and practical foundation for their outfits.
Aprons: Functional and Protective
Pilgrim women often wore aprons over their gowns to protect their clothing while working. Aprons were typically made from linen or wool and were simple in design.
They served a dual purpose of protecting the woman’s gown from dirt and wear while also adding an extra layer of warmth.
Petticoats: Adding Warmth and Fullness
Petticoats were worn under gowns to add fullness and warmth. These garments were typically made from wool or linen and helped provide the necessary insulation against the cold.
Petticoats also contributed to the overall shape of the gown, helping it maintain its modest, full appearance.
Stockings and Shoes: Comfort and Durability
Like Pilgrim men, women wore wool or linen stockings to keep their legs covered and warm. These stockings were an essential part of their attire, particularly during the colder months.
Pilgrim women also wore leather shoes, which were practical for everyday use. These shoes were designed to be durable and functional, much like those worn by men.
Caps: Covering the Hair with Modesty
A coif or simple linen cap was worn by Pilgrim women to cover their hair. This head covering was a symbol of modesty, in line with Puritan ideals.
Women wore their caps both indoors and outdoors, ensuring that their hair remained concealed as per their religious beliefs.
Outerwear: Wool Cloaks for Protection
Similar to the men’s wardrobe, Pilgrim women wore wool cloaks or shawls for warmth. These garments were essential for protection during cold weather and were particularly useful during long winters in the New World.
The simple, functional design of these cloaks reflected the Pilgrims’ focus on practicality and modesty.
Colors and Fabrics: A Practical Palette
Contrary to modern depictions that often show Pilgrims in black-and-white clothing, the garments worn by these early settlers were made from a variety of muted colors.
Wool and linen were the primary fabrics used in Pilgrim clothing, and the colors ranged from browns and grays to blues and greens. Black fabric was expensive and was typically reserved for wealthier individuals or for formal occasions.
The muted color palette was practical for everyday wear, as it didn’t show dirt or wear as easily as brighter colors would.
Natural Fibers: Wool and Linen
The Pilgrims chose natural fibers like wool and linen for their clothing due to their availability and practicality. Wool provided warmth during the cold New England winters, while linen was cool and breathable for warmer months.
These materials were durable and could be used for a variety of garments, making them ideal choices for the Pilgrims’ simple, utilitarian clothing.
Cultural and Religious Influences on Pilgrim Clothing
Pilgrim clothing was shaped by the Puritan beliefs that guided their daily lives. The Puritans adhered to strict codes of conduct that influenced their clothing choices.
Modesty, simplicity, and functionality were key values that permeated their wardrobe. Clothing was seen as a reflection of one’s morality and commitment to religious principles.
Religious Modesty: The Driving Force Behind Simplicity
Pilgrim clothing was deliberately modest to reflect the Puritans’ religious values. Puritans believed that excessive decoration and extravagance in clothing were sinful, as they could lead to vanity and pride.
As a result, Pilgrims opted for simple, unadorned garments that emphasized function over fashion. The goal was to avoid drawing attention to oneself, focusing instead on humility and devotion to God.
Practicality for Survival
The clothing worn by Pilgrims was designed to help them survive in a harsh, unforgiving environment. With limited resources, the Pilgrims had to create clothing that was both durable and practical.
This practicality extended to the use of natural fibers and simple designs that could withstand the wear and tear of daily life in the New World.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Pilgrim Clothing
Historically accurate Pilgrim clothing was rooted in the values of simplicity, modesty, and practicality.
The garments worn by both men and women were designed to withstand the challenges of the early 17th century while reflecting the Puritan commitment to religious principles.
Although modern depictions often focus on black-and-white clothing, the reality was that Pilgrims wore a range of muted colors and fabrics suited to their environment.
By understanding the cultural and practical significance of Pilgrim clothing, we gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience and values of the early settlers in America.