GENERAL DESCRIPTION *
The majority of 1750s civilian men would have similar types of clothing. If they expected to be seen in public, they certainly would have worn a hat. Likewise, they would have seldom been seen without an outer coat over their waistcoat and shirt. Waistcoats and coats tended to be long and boxy to cover the front of the fly-front breeches. Fall-front breeches came into vogue starting in the 1750’s, and became preferred in the 1760s. Thigh-length gaiters were fairly common during this time.
*This information is only intended to serve as a general recommendation. if you belong to a reenacting group or work for a historic site, we strongly recommend you check with your group first before purchasing this outfit.
HAT
Pictured: TH-818 Standard Wool-Felt Civilian Tricorn.
Alternatives: Any non-military tricorn or uncocked broad-rimmed hat that we offer.
SHIRT
Pictured right: SH-124 Cotton Workshirt.
Alternatives: LH-124 Linen Workshirt, or for labor-class civilians and militia, CK-124 Blue-Checked Workshirt, RS-124 Red-Checked Workshirt, or our OH-124 Cotton Osnaburg Workshirt.
NECKWEAR
Pictured: CR-371 Cotton Cravat.
Alternatives: Any of the Cravats or Neck Stocks we offer will work, though we would recommend you avoid the RS-373 Ruffled Neck Stock for this persona.
WAISTCOAT
Pictured: SW-135 1750’s Waistcoat in either cotton canvas, linen, or wool.
Alternatives: For labor-class civilians and militia, SW-133 1750’s Sleeved Waistcoat (pictured right), or the WJ-155 Woolen Short Jacket. These sleeved options can replace the outer coat.
COAT
Pictured: MC-150 Civilian Coat.
Alternatives: If you have chosen a Short Jacket or Sleeved Waistcoat as suggested above, no outer coat is necessary. In some settings, another option for labor-class civilians and militia is the Hunting Frock, LN-123 Linen Work Smock, or the OS-123 Osnaburg Work Smock which should generally be worn over a shirt and waistcoat.
BREECHES
Pictured: CP-129 Cotton Canvas Fly-Front Breeches (pictured left).
Alternatives: Fly-Front Breeches of any fabric option. Fly-Front Trousers are also an option for lower-class civilians and militia.
STOCKINGS
Pictured: SP-755 Heavy Cotton Stockings, preferably off-white or neutral, but other colors are usually acceptable.
Alternatives: Any Cotton or Wool Stocking. Avoid striped stockings. Silk and Clocked Stockings may be appropriate for higher class civilians.
SHOES
Pictured: CS-925 Men’s Straight-Last Shoes.
Alternatives: MK-976 Center-Seam Moccassins (pictured right) are a very appropriate alternative. These can be worn with or without GA-986 Gaiters (pictured right). Also, some events or units will allow for simple modern leather shoes as long as they are mostly covered with gaiters (ask your unit).
BUCKLES
Pictured: SB-929 Shoe Buckles.
Alternatives: Any of our men’s shoe buckles. The straps on our Straight-Last Shoes can be folded back or trimmed, then punched with two holes on each side for lacing.