Overview

Women's Fashion

Men's Fashion

Class Differences

Consumerism: Fashion & Print Culture

Sources

During the 18th century, fashionable hair included anything extreme and very high. The upper classes usually wore high wigs adorned with masses of curls and even decorative objects, such as flowers and vines, that represented special occasions. Until the 1780’s women often covered their wigs or real hair with snowy white powder.

Wigs were highly favorable until the end of the 18th century.

There were several types of wigs, including:

- the tie wig: full hair of the wig is drawn back from the face and tied in back, then is braided and ribboned

- the bagwig: wig hair was worn as long pigtail looped up into a silken bag

The 1770s marked a trend toward men using their own hair, but still dressed it as a wig.

During the 1790s, men usually gave up on powdering or ornamenting their hair; it was simply tied at the nape of the neck.

During the first half of the 1700s, coats were knee length and full in the skirt. In the latter half, the corners of the coats cut away diagonally, to give a backswept appearance. This developed into a swallow tailed frock coat which is now memorialized in today's "tails". Sleeves gradually became longer and cuffs were less conspicuous. Furthermore, the collars became higher and more prominent. It seems that as the 18th century progressed, men's fashion became more plain and sober.

Waistcoats/vests were worn under the coats. Throughout the century, these vests developed lapels, became shorter, and even sleeveless. However, some ornamentation was retained throughout the century, as jabots (ruffles or frills) often cascaded down shirt fronts.

Breeches, or culottes, became more important throughout the century as coat lines slanted backward.

They were very tight, and toward the beginning of the century, were worn with stockings with garters.

The middle of the century marked a trend toward longer breeches that covered the stockings and embellishments. This look becomes the pioneer to the modern day suit.

At the end of the 1780s, tight pantaloons began to replace breeches.

At first, leather shoes adorned with buckles were worn with leather or wool stockings.

Elites wore black toed, square shoes with a red heel that was originally adopted for court occasions.

Boots were worn for riding or military combat. The jackboot became popular, as it flared out at the top. Now, jackboots are associated with totalitarianism, yet had no such connection in the 18th century.

The later part of the 1700s showed a rise in tight, calf length boots of soft leather.

One of the effects of a stratified society in England during the Early Modern Period was a recurring belief that clothing had to be regulated according to class. During this period high fashion was usually defined by law as being only for the upper classes. This means that the privilege of participating in the market culture and economy of trading luxurious fabrics and imports was reserved for the Royal family and the rich, upper classes. An exception was the merchant class, who were largely responsible for the trade which made up much of England’s economy and wealth. The Sumptuary Legislation began in the 14th century and lasted until the early 17th century and reinforced this class separation. It was intended to protect England’s textile industry and placed taxes on luxury materials—imported gold and silver tissues, fine woven silks and rich furs—making them accessible to only the wealthy members of society. There were also penalties for the misuse of these luxuries by the lower classes. Therefore, these laws divided the population into distinct categories, with detailed descriptions of what should be worn.