What did people wear in the 1660s?

Answer 1

It depended on what they did and how much money they had.

Rich people wore more expensive and delicate fabrics. The poorer people wore cruder, more durable clothes.

The period is now known as the "Victorian Era," after the well-loved and respected English Queen Victoria. The fashions of Europe and England influenced what Americans of society wore. This meant long, elaborate dresses for the women, and layered, carefully fitted suits for the men.

In the higher classes, people remained "dressed up" all day, including the time spent at home, right up to bed time. In fact, a complete change of dress was required two, three and even more times per day, depending on the time, and event. This was true for men and women.

The working classes, even though they were beginning to enjoy a greater income and increases leisure time, still could not afford the luxury of a large wardrobe. Women often made their own clothes and those of their families. Of course, these clothes were much simpler made. Most of these people tended to have only a few changes of clothing available. One set tended to be nicer, and was reserved for church or other special occasions. It was not unusual for one set of clothing to be worn all week.

Children's fashions tended to be designed especially for children. Unlike today, where kid's clothes are usually just smaller sizes of adult clothes, a child's outfit identified him or her as a child. Girls wore frilly frocks with ribbons and bows throughout. A boy wore short pants until his teens. A boy's first pair of long pants was a mark of his becoming a man.

At the lowest strata of society, the extremely poor people wore what ever they could. Little distinction was made between a child's clothes and adult's. However, a woman ALWAYS wore a dress or skirt, and a man wore trousers.

One thing of interest to note. Up until this time, shoes were not usually designed to fit right and left feet. A pair of boots or shoes was made with no distinct difference beetween either side.

I have included some links that I use as reference to clothing from different eras. You may have to dig around to find the pictures of clothes from this time. Also, don't forget to look at the sets of links to other costume sites.

Answer 2

depends on where one lived.