Keep in mind
We are trying to portray an appearance that is typical of the America's of the mid to late eighteenth century. The following items are acceptable because they best represent the norm for the period. All these items are document able through period images, or surviving examples. There are many other items that, to varying degrees can be documented to the period. Since we want to represent an impression that cannot be argued with in any way, we have decided to err on the conservative side and would like everyone to follow this list. Knowing that everyone involved with this project wants to do their best to educate the public in what we know to be an absolutely correct appearance, we hope that everyone will do their best to follow these guidelines.

The best way to protect yourself when making or purchasing an item is to do your own research in advance. Read period narratives describing what you are going to make. Look at period paintings and drawings to see how it appears and is worn (if worn at all). Look at surviving examples of the items that can be documented to the period.

If you take these steps you will be less likely to buy or spend the time making an incorrect item.
One last word when doing your impression, most of us are trying to represent the common American Male or Female. You can sometimes make a more striking statement by wearing a few items very properly rather then a lot of items gaudily.
Remember sometimes less is more.

    Womens Clothing
            guidelines

Shifts:   Should be white or natural. Shift should be appropriate to the specified time, sleeves ending in the vicinity of the elbow and not too full, necklines low with plain edge, moderate ruffle or drawstring for adjusting.

Hats and bonnets:
Should be of straw or unprinted fabric.

Hoods:
May be of plain or of a period correct patterned fabric.(Burnston, 1998, P. 38)

Caps:
Should be white or "natural."

Upper body garments: 
Sleeved garments (such as short gowns, bed gowns and jackets) are strongly preferred, instead of the so-called English Bodice or French Bodice. Waistcoats for women (preferably sleeved, unless worn under a jacket) should be constructed as a man’s, and have buttons. Simple working class gowns of a cut and construction typical of 1750-1781 are acceptable. No Prairie Dresses (19th Century.)

Petticoats:
Mandatory for women’s outfits, e.g. no women browsing camp in just a shift. Hems should hit between the ankle and mid-calf. (Women wearing men’s clothing are the exception.) Pockets should be worn under the petticoats.

Prints:
18th C. types of prints are acceptable when suited to the garment and the wearer’s station in life. Paisleys and cabbage rose prints are not correct. No 19th C. or modern calicoes.

Ornamentation:
No crocheted or tatted items or trims. No wrist watches or post 1781 jewelry other than wedding bands or sets. Remove any modern piercing adornments and cover tattoos.

Hair:
Adolescent girls and women should wear their hair up and/or capped, no bangs or hair hanging from under caps. Make-up should be discreet.

Stays and Jumps:
These are underwear and should be treated as such, e.g. worn under an outer garment. While correct underpinnings do provide support and a correct silhouette and are encouraged, they were not outer garments.

Wraps/outer garments:
Include capes, cloaks, mantles, heavy woolen coats, and wraps made of either a large square folded on the diagonal or a cut triangle. Rectangular shawls are not correct. Fur hides were probably also used for warmth. Kerchiefs, neckerchiefs, etc. are encouraged.

Fire safety:
If you will be working around a campfire, the safest fiber you can be wearing is wool. Cotton is the most flammable of the natural fibers, followed by hemp and linen. If you are wearing an apron with cotton tapes, and it is tied to the front, be aware these can easily catch fire.

                  CHILDREN:
Babes in arms should have a shirt or shift and a cap of linen, cotton or wool in white or natural. Frock, shoes and stockings are optional. If using plastic diapers, please find a way to cover them. Young children can wear shifts of linen, cotton or wool in white or natural. The child’s frock or shift dress with a sash is acceptable. Leading strings are fine, but do not allow a child to be near a fire or to got to sleep in a garment with leading strings. Caps and hats are optional, but preferred for both boys and girls. Boys were usually in a frock (unbreeched) until the age of 7. Due to the expense of children’s shoes, any black or brown lace-up modern shoes or moccasins are acceptable. Older boys and girls dressed like their adult counterparts.

                    Men Clothing 
         guidelines

Shirts:
Linen, wool, cotton material, white or natural color (preferred), checked or colored, ruffles at neck and cuffs if you are portraying a man of means.

·         Hunting Shirts:
 Mid-thigh to knee length, linen, wool or cotton, dyed or undyed, fringed or unfringed.

·         Footwear:
Colonial buckle shoes (buckles or simple laces), moccasins (center seam), colonial boots (rare on the frontier), barefoot (always fun).

·         Breeches:
Fall or French Fly patterns, linen, cotton, wool, or leather material. No suspenders should be visible.

·         Breechcloths:
Same materials as above, no major decorations.

·         Weskits:
1750-1780 lengths (mid thigh to just below waist)

·         Coats:
 Civilian or cast off military (1750-1780 styles).

·         Stockings:
Wool or cotton.

·         Hats:
Tricorns, flat brim, Ranger "jockey hats", scarves (black or red preferred), no "coonskin with tail" hats.

·         Leggings/Gaiters:
Heavy linen, cotton, wool, or leather; side seam; either stitched or buttoned up; length varies depending on style (no full leg leggings).