What the Plymouth Colonists Wore in 1620

The Pilgrims who arrived at Plymouth in 1620 wore clothing typical of early 17th-century rural England, adapted for the harsher New World conditions. Their attire reflected both their diverse English origins and their Puritan values of modesty and practicality.

Men's Clothing

• Daily wear: Woolen shirts, knee-length breeches, stockings, and sturdy shoes or boots
• Cold weather: Coats or cloaks added for warmth
• Work/Travel: Leather jerkins or vests for protection, broad-brimmed hats against sun and rain

Women's Clothing

• Base layers: Linen or woolen shifts (long loose dresses)
• Outer wear: Kirtles (skirt and bodice combinations), stockings, shoes/boots
• Head coverings: Coifs or bonnets (worn for modesty and practicality)
• Special occasions: More elaborate gowns for formal events

Children's Clothing

Similar to adults but simpler, often handed down from older siblings. Both boys and girls wore shifts until breeching age (around 6-7) when boys transitioned to breeches.

Overall Character

Clothing was plain, durable, and functional—minimal ornamentation reflecting religious conviction and the demands of frontier survival. Natural fibers (wool, linen) dominated, with colors limited to what natural dyes could produce: browns, grays, muted blues, and greens.