What did the French wear in the 1600s?
French Fashion in the 1600s
Males in this time typically wore silks, satins, lace, and jewels. (Among the wealthy jewels were a must have, even for males.) In 1615 they wore doublets, embroidered glazed linen, that were pointed fitted close to the body and had tight sleeves.
In the 1600s, baby boys and girls dressed in the same way. Boys and girls wore gowns (one piece garments covering the whole body) with long sleeves and long skirts. When babies were learning to walk, long strips of fabric called “leading strings” were sewn into the shoulders of their gowns.
In the 16th-century women wore a kind of petticoat called a smock or shift or chemise made of linen or wool and a wool dress over it. A woman's dress was made of two parts, a bodice, and a skirt. Sleeves were held on with laces and could be detached.
Cotton shifts, woolen skirts over a petticoat, wool stockings held up by garters, bodices, bonnets, and buckle shoes or clogs were a part of their daily wear. Dresses, mantles (short hooded coats), and aprons were also in their wardrobes.
What did the people of New France wear? The men wore jerkins (jackets) and knee breeches. The women wore shirts (blouses) and skirts made out of linen or cloth. In wintertime, everyone wore mittens, moose leather boots, coats, and boots lined with beaver fur to keep them warm from the harsh winters of Canada.
The robe à la française, with open robe and petticoat, was the quintessential dress of the eighteenth century. Characteristic of 1770s costume are the piece's low neckline, fitted bodice, narrow sleeves with double layered cuffs, as well as the sack back and fullness at the hips supported by panniers.
- Bristol Red: Red used for garments.
- Lincoln Green: Color used by archers, also named after the town, Lincoln where it originated.
- Yellow: Used for mourning.
- Russet: 1512, Reddish brown or grey worn by countrymen.
- Ash: 1518, Used for gowns and kirtles.
- Rat's Colour: 1518, Dull grey, worn by poor people.
The shoes of common people were generally made of leather, and while they were fairly simple in construction they were also very durable. Soles were made of wood, cork, or extra layers of leather, and uppers, or the tops of shoes, were either tied or buckled in place.
Women's fashions of the early 16th century consisted of a long gown, usually with sleeves, worn over a kirtle or undergown, with a linen chemise or smock worn next to the skin. The high-waisted gown of the late medieval period evolved in several directions in different parts of Europe.
Peasant men wore stockings or tunics, while women wore long gowns with sleeveless tunics and wimples to cover their hair. Sheepskin cloaks and woolen hats and mittens were worn in winter for protection from the cold and rain. Leather boots were covered with wooden patens to keep the feet dry.
