Clothing in 1776 was practical, handmade, and closely tied to daily life. Most garments were sewn at home or by local tailors using materials such as wool, linen, or cotton. Families often produced their own fabric by spinning thread and weaving cloth, a time-consuming process that required skill and patience. Because clothing took so much effort to make, people owned fewer garments and cared for them carefully, repairing and reusing items whenever possible.
Durability was essential. Clothing had to withstand long workdays, changing weather, and repeated use. Everyday garments were designed for function rather than fashion, especially for those who worked on farms or in trades. Aprons, sturdy trousers, simple dresses, and layered clothing were common, allowing people to adapt to different tasks and seasons.
Styles varied by region, occupation, and social class. Farmers and laborers wore plain, sturdy clothing suitable for physical work. Merchants, professionals, and government officials dressed more formally, often wearing tailored coats, waistcoats, and finer fabrics. Imported materials, brighter colors, and decorative details could signal wealth or access to trade networks. In contrast, enslaved people and poorer colonists often wore coarse fabrics and minimal clothing, reflecting harsh economic realities.
Children’s clothing was usually practical and resembled adult styles. Garments were frequently passed down among siblings or altered as children grew. Because resources were limited, nothing was wasted. Even worn-out clothing might be repurposed into quilts, rags, or work garments.
During the years leading up to the American Revolution, clothing took on new political meaning. British textiles were a major import, and boycotts encouraged colonists to reject foreign goods. Wearing homespun fabric became a visible symbol of resistance and self-reliance. Colonists proudly chose simple, locally made clothing to show support for American industry and opposition to British control.
This choice transformed everyday appearance into a political statement. What people wore reflected their values and their willingness to sacrifice comfort or status for a larger cause. Clothing became a quiet but powerful way to express unity and defiance.
Colonial clothing reveals how ordinary aspects of daily life were connected to larger political ideas. Personal choices—what to wear, what to buy, what to make—became expressions of belief. In this way, even simple garments played a role in the movement toward independence.
