During 1790's Living History Day, we invite the students to wear a costume
suitable for the 1780s-90s. Costumes play an important role in helping
students place themselves in the past and experience 18th century PA.
Yet please do not feel that you have to be able to sew or buy a whole
new outfit. The following instructions are geared toward using what you
may already own.
For men and boys:
Shirt: Any plain white shirt, turtleneck, or sweatshirt
Breeches: Knee-length pants were the fashion, so take
a dark pair of pants or sweatpants and roll them up to the knees
Stockings: Use plain colored knee-socks which will fit
up under the breeches. Athletic socks without stripes are fine!
Shoes: Any plain dark shoe, but try not to wear sneakers.
Buckles can be added made out of cardboard covered with aluminum foil.
Accessories:
Vest: A sleeveless vest adds warmth to the costume.
Hat: A straw or tricorn hat also helps keep you warm-please
no baseball caps!
For women and girls:
Basic dress: Long plain dresses or long plain skirts
with white shirts. Could accessorize with a white apron, extra petticoats,
shawls and knee-socks for added warmth.
Mop cap: No females went without caps in the 1790s. Cut
a circle about1.5-2 ft. in diameter from an old sheet or piece of white
material. About two inches from the edge, string ribbon/yarn through to
make a circle. Draw the ribbon/yarn through to make a circle. Draw the
ribbon/yarn into gathers to fit the child's head and knot at the ends
to secure.
Shoes: Any plain dark shoe, but try not to wear sneakers.
Accessories:
Fichu: this important accessory is a large neckerchief
worn around the neck. Fold a scarf, shawl or blanket into a triangle and
place around the neck, down across the front of the dress and bring the
ends around the back of waist and knot or tuck into the front waist.
Waistcoat: a sleeveless vest in a plain color will add
warmth to the costume.