Slave woman wearing mens pants??

[MissMia]

Greetings!
I came across this image of a slave woman (1862) wearing pants under her dress..most likely due to the colder temps.
My next event is going to be pretty chilly-- and for my slave impression, I know wool stockings are the norm. But do you think I could pull this off?
Or should I just stick with what was common, and take the safe route?

I'd like to hear your thoughts on this!

-Mia

[GarrettG1993]

Re: Slave woman wearing mens pants??

Really cool image, thanks for sharing. I'd say go with it, provided that everyone else there doesn't do the same thing. In might be a better choice than woolen petticoats, I will admit that I am not very familiar with slave dress, but I do believe that is the norm for white middle to upperclass impressions.

Regards,
Garrett Glover

[Spinster]

Re: Slave woman wearing mens pants??

Mia

Given the social status of your owner, I'd tend toward a combination of woolen petticoats under your dress and then choose from any of riding drawers/Turkish drawers/reform trousers.

You tend towards the role of ladies maid, house servant, cook or other personal service. This implies a higher grade of clothing than field worker/laborer--and that's how I perceive this image.

Each of these have a different treatment at the bottom on the leg, and some are cut more generously than others. Pick up the phone and call Mrs Simpson for construction details. Excellent idea though, as you may find yourself clambering up in a wagon during the course of the adventure.

[Victor Sarna]

Re: Slave woman wearing mens pants??

Ma'am,

In my humble opinion and based upon lots of research and being in this hobby for many, many years I truly believe that folks of that time, just like folks of this time will do what ever they need to to stay warm in the Winter and and cool in the Summer. Wear the pants and enjoy the event. Plus you have photographic evidence that it was done, for those that might question the practice.

Kind regards,

Victor

[GarrettG1993]

Re: Slave woman wearing mens pants??

Just be sure to match the fabric and cut of the trousers to an appropriate style for your impression. Ben Tart has some nice undyed jean that would probably aproximate the color of the trousers the woman is wearing in the image. And be sure to wear some drawers under them! Nothing ruins a good time like chafing.

Regards,
Garrett Glover

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: Slave woman wearing mens pants??

How about the idea that she might be wearing heavy women's drawers...? Not my place about women's finery, but it is a suggestion vice men's trousers...

[MissMia]

Re: Slave woman wearing mens pants??

Thanks for the quick response!

It is a very interesting image, and it's certainly opened up a new option of dress I hadn't considered.
Mrs. Lawson: Very good points! Tis true as I do tend to portray a house slave vs. field slave..But I do some heavy work and see the practicality of that extra warmth on those early mornin's. I'll definitely bring it up to Ms. Bev next time I call..

Mr. Sarna: Thanks, and I may just do that. I was just a little unsure, just because I didn't want to be too "unusual" in the portrayal. Yessir, photo evidence is key!

Mr. Glover: True, the cut of the trousers is a good point. I appreciate you identifying what type of jean would work best..as I'm not as familiar with mens apparel. ah, chafing...yikes!

[MissMia]

Re: Slave woman wearing mens pants??

How about the idea that she might be wearing heavy women's drawers...? Not my place about women's finery, but it is a suggestion vice men's trousers...

I hadn't considered that...would heavy (womens) drawers be so long though?

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: Slave woman wearing mens pants??

Perhaps they are cast-off drawers of some sort?

[Spinster]

Re: Slave woman wearing mens pants??

Johnny,

We don't have to reach that far for ladies outer garments that fit that bill-- riding trousers that cover the limbs to the ankles were accepted for those who rode. No need to classify them as drawers that are too long-and the end treatment is not correct for that.

I agree that the trousers pictures are 'jean' or 'slave cloth' if you will. I will certainly agree that it happened. I will also personally attest that jean without adequate heavy drawers under them are going to flat tear up a woman's legs. The lightweight muslin commonly used for women's drawers today is, in my experience, too thin to protect in a situation in which any extensive walking is done.

Under the heading of experimental archeology, I've made, owned and worn a jean wool petticoat. It was a bad idea and it's a good thing I was careful in its construction, as that yardage is now a jacket on some fellers back. My horsehair petticoat is a silken dream compared to the jean

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: Slave woman wearing mens pants??

I feel those are mens trousers in the photo, and I think that wearing a pair would make for a mind blowing slave impression.

[VMurphy]

Re: Slave woman wearing mens pants??

Mia, I would second what Mrs.Lawson suggests. Your station will be of the level that if you were to wear some form of trousers for warmth, it might be a pair of reform trousers you personally created out of the skirt of an old woolen dress(the legs from thigh up are muslin, with the lower leg being of the fasion fabric. But remembering that as a ladys maid you would need a source for your knowledge of this fashion. It might be moe logical for you to be wearing a pair of nice canton flannel drawers with a woolen underpetticoat for warmth.
Regards
Vivian Murphy

http://www.themantuamaker.net