Clothing in the 18th Century

George and Martha Washington thought dearly about the clothing they chose to wear. Ordering their finest frocks from England early in their marriage, they shifted to wearing clothing made in the United States to express their commitment to the revolutionary cause. The people enslaved at Mount Vernon were provided two sets of clothing and one pair of shoes a year but chose personal adornment to express their individuality beyond the rations provided.

Clothing and shoes served as necessary survival tools in the 18^th century as well as powerful ways to communicate status, ideas, and a person’s role in society. Fashion was a very important way that people expressed their ideas and economic status during the 18th century. As your students don tri-corner hats and mobcaps, challenge them to research the function and purpose of their colonial outfits. Give them the opportunity to adorn and accessorize them to reflect an idea or personal statement.

Clothing Production and Manufacture

18th Century Wool Production

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Landscape of Slavery at Mansion House Farm

In the Spinning House, enslaved women spun linen thread and wool yarn, which hired weavers made into cloth. These textiles were distributed to enslaved seamstresses, who made clothing for the enslaved population.

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William (Billy) Lee

In the mid 1780s, William (Billy) Lee became the estate’s shoemaker, working in the small cobbler shop behind the greenhouse.

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Creating 18th Century Clothing in the Classroom

A guide to re-creating 18th-century style clothing, including hats and shoes, using modern materials. A great resource for biography projects, wax museums, and school plays.

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Clothing, Expressing Ideas and Individuality

Material Culture and the Presidency

Aware that he would be closely scrutinized, Washington self-consciously chose clothing and household furnishings that would convey a particular message about his style and character.

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George Washington's Suit

This brown suit owned by Washington, with its more informal double-breasted coat, may have been worn by him for dressy daytime events.

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Working in the Mansion

Two costumed interpreters explain the daily tasks of enslaved house servants at Mount Vernon.

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Style of Martha Washington

Martha Washington's attire was not lacking in quality as she established herself as mistress of Mount Vernon. She secured precisely the goods that she wished for, in what was likely a conscious effort to establish an image of herself in her new community and amongst her circle of acquaintances.

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Clothing and Slavery

Mount Vernon’s enslaved people usually had no choice but to wear clothing identifying them as slaves. Yet some did find ways to purchase or trade for other garments and accessories. For those who owned little (legally, not even themselves) these items could carry great meaning.

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Clothing for the Enslaved Community

Clothing issued to the slaves was minimal, plain, and often coarse. Some textiles were imported and crafted into clothing for slaves at Mount Vernon, while other garments were ordered ready-made in large quantities.

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Primary Sources

In this letter, Washington calls for all colonists to join in the boycott of British goods in 1769, even if this hinders their appearance in high society.

In this letter, Washington bestows advice on to his nephew, including the important lesson that fine clothes do not make fine men.

In this letter, George Washington describes his required spending on fashion during the Presidency.

In this letter, George Washington orders different clothing fabric for his family and for the enslaved population of Mount Vernon.

In this newspaper advertisement, George Washington describes the physical characteristics of four enslaved workers who ran away from Mount Vernon, along with the clothing they may have been wearing.