The fashions of the French Revolutionary period influenced England, which in turn influenced U.S. colonial dress. In France, both men and women wore noticeably whitened faces, highly arched eyebrows, rouged cheeks and lips, patches, and powdered wigs.

"For women, tight bodices contrasted with voluminous hoop skirts and panniers (side bustles) under multi-layered petticoats and skirts. Stays (corsets) were inset with stiff whalebone and drawn tight, often laced to the brink of asphyxiation! Intricately upswept hairstyles completed the vision.

For men, tailored frock coats opened to beautiful waistcoats of velvet, brocade or satin, and worn with velvet breeches, fancy knee buckles, silk stockings and buckled shoes. The wealthy sported wigs of human hair, often curled and powdered. Those who did not wear wigs tied their hair back with ribbon." www.history.org

After the French Revolution, fashion distanced itself from the stays, corsets and powdered wigs associated with the toppled aristocracy. A classical Renaissance in fashion came about, with gowns apearing to mimic ancient greek togas in form and simplicity. Corsets were abandoned and the waistline moved up to the bust. Men's clothing became more tailored and unadorned than before. Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance" is often set during this time period.

We always have in retail complete Colonial costumes for boys and girls. Year round we carry aprons (full plain, full butterflied, waist plain and flounced), pioneer bonnets (solid white, red checkered, blue checkered), white cotton mop caps trimmed with lace, Puritan Collars, and Pilgrim hats at various price points.