Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Trousers for a civilian laborer

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Trousers for a civilian laborer

    What type of trousers would a typical civilian laborer wear in the 1860s, say a carpenter, teamster, mechanic, etc.? Is there any fabric to stay away from? I know it's too early for blue jeans. Would cotton or canvas trousers with suspenders work? Any advice as well as maker recommendations greatly appreciated. Thanks!

    Claude Bauer

  • #2
    From looking at historical photographs, I noticed coveralls worn over trousers in some cases, mostly in work that would lead to a lot of mud. For the most part, they wore trousers and vests in the photographs, or trousers and coats, but typically not all three if the photograph implied spontaneity, whether as farmers, unskilled laborers, or skilled artisans and craftsmen.

    From reading about the California Gold Rush, manufacturers were shipping heavy amounts of cassimere and satinet trousers to the miners. The same seems to go for places that sold clothing to workers and lower class people. Expect to wear lower-quality cassimeres, satinets, corduroys, jeans, and kerseys, in wool or wool-cotton blends. Or an older pair of broadcloth trousers.
    Michael Denisovich

    Bookkeeper, Indian agent, ethnologist, and clerk out in the Territory
    Museum administrator in New Mexico

    Comment


    • #3
      Thank you!

      Comment

      Working...
      X