Fashion in the Colonial Era

Published: July 28, 2026 · Updated: July 28, 2026

In colonial North America, transplanted European dress took root: English, French, Spanish and Dutch styles were brought over, worn in homespun and imported cloth.

Fashion in the Colonial Era — Author: John Singleton Copley (1767) Public domain Source

Overview

In this age of rival colonies, dress mirrored the fashions of the home countries while simplifying to suit local conditions.

Key garments and style

The Puritans of New England favoured plain dark clothing and the planters of the South rich imported dress, while many people wore homespun cloth. Indigenous peoples took up trade blankets, cloth and glass beads and created new dress with ribbonwork and beadwork.

Transition

In the age of revolution, republican plainness and practical frontier dress came to the fore.

History of this period

Colonial era c. 1600–1775