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What kind of clothing did plantation owners wear?
Shirts for men were generally made of osnaburg (unbleached coarse linen), while stockings referred to either plaid hose that were woolen, loose fitting, and not patterned, or knitted stockings made on the plantation. The majority of slaves probably wore plain unblackened sturdy leather shoes without buckles.
What clothes did Frederick Douglass wear?
Their yearly clothing consisted of two coarse linen shirts, one pair of linen trousers, like the shirts, one jacket, one pair of trousers for winter, made of coarse negro cloth, one pair of stockings, and one pair of shoes; the whole of which could not have cost more than seven dollars.
How did slaves wash clothes?
Slaves were required to keep their own clothing clean. If slaves washed their clothing items it was after working all day in the field, and then they were required to wash the clothing at a stream. Plantation slave owners did not give slaves mittens or stockings.
How many meals a day did slaves eat?
We had however but two meals a day, of corn meal bread, and soup, or meat of the poorest kind. Very often so little care had been taken to cure and preserve the bacon, that when it came to us, though it had been fairly killed once, it was more alive than dead.
What kind of clothes did slaves wear?
Basic garment of female slaves consisted of a one-piece frock or slip of coarse “Negro Cloth.” Cotton dresses, sunbonnets, and undergarments were made from handwoven cloth for summer and winter. Annual clothing distributions included brogan shoes, palmetto hats, turbans, and handkerchiefs.
What kind of clothing did slaves wear on the plantation?
They were barely supplied with one item that was decent enough to wear. If slaves were hired out, they usually received more clothing at this time; two suits, one pair of shoes, and one blanket. However, this was not a general rule; it could vary from plantation to plantation.
How old did slaves have to be to wear breeches?
On many plantations it was common for children under 10 or 12-years-old to go naked. Boys transitioned to breeches, or short pants, and then to long pants.
How did slaves get rid of their clothes?
If slaves washed their clothing items it was after working all day in the field, and then they were required to wash the clothing at a stream. Afterwards, they would build a fire and dry them; and in some instances slaves wore their clothes until they were worn off, without washing.
What did housemaids wear on the Mulberry Plantation?
South Carolinian Mary Chesnut described the housemaids’ uniform at her father-in-law’s Mulberry Plantation: The maids here dress in linsey-woolsey gowns and white aprons in the winter—and in summer, blue homespun. These deep blue dresses and white turbans and aprons are picturesque and nice looking.