A Blog Post about blog posts about civilian men's wardrobes

[Elaine Kessinger]

Every few weeks on That Other Place I get a desperate plea for help in sorting out what clothing menfolk need for portraying a civilian man (or older boy). I've compiled a blog post listing my blog posts that detail that process.
While you won't get any merchant endorsements from me on my blog, if you read through the postings you should gain a plan that will help you make the most of your purchases and show what you still may need.

http://historyhallwayheartburn.blogspot.com/2016/10/my-menfolk-need-clothes-and-i-dont-have.html

[Ryan Thornton]

Re: A Blog Post about blog posts about civilian men's wardrobes

Mrs. Kessinger,
Thank you for sharing your knowledge of men's attire and your valuable suggestions on starting and adding to a man's 1860s wardrobe. This is a subject which has a lot of us frustrated.
As a long time soldier reenactor transitioning to a civilian impression I appreciate your observations and expert advice. A man wishing to portray a soldier can attend almost any large event and purchase every piece of uniform and equipment (even campaigner quality items) from bootees to rifle. Yet try and find a quality civilian sack coat or frock coat (in any color let alone a color of your choice) and you will most likely be disappointed. Not that there are no quality tailors and seamstresses out there, I know there are. My assumption is that the greater demand is for military uniforms and so that is where the cottage industry tailors spend their efforts.
Don't get me wrong I'm not deterred I will continue to search diligently and purchase appropriate items as I find them. I am very excited about assembling my 1860 civilian wardrobe(s). Most of us had ancestors who served in one or both armies but we all had ancestors, men and women, who were civilians during the war (and they all wore clothes).
I have participated in the Election Day event at Harpers Ferry many times wearing military brogans, Confederate trousers, shirt sleeves, and slouch hat. I have made a point not to include theses military items in my serious civilian impression.
So far I have:
Two pair of shoes (Robert Land working man shoes and Missouri Boot and Shoe Men's high Top Dress Shoes),
three pair socks (Mickey Black),
two pair of trousers by Kara of Corner Clothiers (one black broadcloth and one brown corduroy),
suspenders by Brian Merrick,
two pair civilian drawers (W. W. & Co. and Corner Clothiers),
four shirts two checked (W.W. & Co. and two white dress shirts by unknown makers),
two neck ties, red and blue (Corner Clothiers)
three hats beehive, planter and straw (Dirty Billy)
three handkerchiefs (South Union Mills),
leather wallet (S&S Sutler), and lots of pocket fillers.
Coat: none, I am keeping my eyes open.
If all the posts I see regarding men looking for civilian sack and frock coats are any indication I would say there is money to be made in quality men's apparel.
I especially enjoyed your suggestions about studying middle aged men"s photographs in order to dress one's age. Thanks again.

[Elaine Kessinger]

Re: A Blog Post about blog posts about civilian men's wardrobes

In other threads, several started by the same member here, we have covered the tailors who consistently have ready-made coats. We've also pointed out that they are not AC Approved Vendors.

As for the rest of us tailors, we're working as fast as we can while maintaining standards. We're also not AC Approved Vendors and therefore can't openly advertise here.

So, Mr. Thornton, I hear your frustration but am limited in what I can directly do. If you would like to speak with me in person, you may call at Frankel Bros, LaVoitch, and Hirsh in Harper's Ferry next yuletide.