Colonial Rhode Island Clothing: Wool, Linen & Leather for Daily Life

Rhode Island's 17th–18th century wardrobe reflected New England practicality—cold winters, maritime humidity, and sumptuary laws that curbed excess.

Men

• Wool coat & breeches (knee-length).
• Linen shirt (undergarment & sleepwear).
• Leather shoes/boots (straight-lasted, swapped feet daily).
• Felt/knit hat (broad brim for sun/rain).
• Wool cloak or cape for travel.

Women

• Wool gown + petticoat (quilted for winter).
• Linen chemise (shift).
• Leather shoes (low heel, latchet ties).
• Head covering: linen cap, silk bonnet, or kerchief (married women always covered).
• Apron (linen/wool)—protection & pocket substitute.

Children

Miniature adult garments after toddler "long clothes" phase. Leading strings on toddlers' bodices for safety.

Accessories & Details

• Wool stockings (hand-knit).
• Leather gloves (work) / silk mitts (dress).
• Pewter/silver buckles, brass buttons.
• Pocket (detachable tie-on) under petticoat.
• Mourning jewelry (jet, hairwork) prescribed by law.

Fabric Sources

• Home-spun wool/linen (flax grown locally).
• Imported British woolens, silks, calicoes (taxed heavily).
• Rhode Island's early textile mills (Slater Mill 1790) began shifting production post-Revolution.

Clothing was investment—mended, remade, bequeathed. A coat lasted a generation.