by Susan E. Carr

Created on: November 01, 2009   Last Updated: March 13, 2011

Pilgrim clothing has often been depicted as being black and white and severe, but this was likely not always the case.  Although one of the most accurate ways of determining  what historical figures may have worn is in the form of pictures or paintings, there are few portraits available from this era and many depict upper class and/or royal figures, since they could afford to purchase portraits.

In the case of the Pilgrims, there are in existence a few portrait paintings in which they are shown in their authentic dress. The Orange County Mayflower Colony does have oil on canvas of Edward Winslow painted by an anonymous artist in London in 1651, the only known portrait of a Pilgrim painted from life. In this portrait Winslow is shown wearing black and white. However, at that time, black was both fashionable and expensive.

Elizabeth Paddy Wensley was married to the merchant John Wensley, however, she was born in Boston. Her portrait, once again by an anonymous artist, depicts a "stylish" dress of the 1670s and includes the addition of a fan and flowers, symbols of femininity.

Few original clothing items exist, however, we do have knowledge of what was worn during that era and there are documents such as inventories and wills that allow us to form an overview of items that were likely worn at the time. Since the Pilgrims were considered "common folk" they would have worn "common" clothing articles. By studying other museum collections of the times, it is fair to conclude that the Pilgrims were dressed in similar attire.

Therefore, basic garments for women would have included underpants, stockings, petticoat, chemise, bolster, bodice, skirt, apron, coif, outer gown and shoes. Women of the more common class would have worn dresses with a bodice and skirt of the same material, with sleeves of perhaps a different color. Shoes were very much like styles that were worn by men at the time. However, there is evidence that women did own fashionable accessories as is the case of Mrs. Winslow's wedding slippers, which were of rich silk. Capes were worn as an outer garment. And of course, the "apron" was also a part of the everyday attire. A small cloth string-bag may have completed the outfit, likely embroidered.

Men's clothing consisted of underpants, shirt, breeches, waistcoat, doublet, cape/coat, cap/hat, and boots or shoes. A full blouse look was in style and therefore the sleeves were wide and gathered. The material for shirts was cambric,

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