When most people imagine 18th-century fashion, they picture powdered wigs, corsets, lace, and extravagant silk gowns. But that was the world of royalty and the upper class. The vast majority of the population were peasants—farmers, laborers, and rural workers—who wore clothing designed for function, durability, and modesty.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what 1760s clothing for peasants looked like, what materials were used, how garments were made, and the cultural significance behind their everyday attire.
1. The Life of a Peasant in the 1760s
Understanding peasant fashion begins with understanding peasant life. Most peasants in 18th-century Europe lived in rural villages and worked as tenant farmers, field hands, or small-scale laborers. Their clothing needed to:
- Withstand physical labor
- Be affordable or home-produced
- Offer protection from the weather
- Last as long as possible
With little access to luxury fabrics or tailor-made garments, peasant clothing in the 1760s was recycled, patched, and passed down through generations.
2. Key Garments Worn by Peasant Women
👗 Shift or Chemise
- Base layer worn directly on the skin
- Made of linen or homespun cotton
- Served as both undergarment and nightwear
🎽 Stays (Simple Corsets)
- Provided minimal shaping and support
- Laced in front or back
- Worn over the chemise
🧵 Bodice
- Fitted or semi-fitted, often laced
- Made of wool or canvas
- Designed for mobility during work
👚 Petticoats
- Multiple layers of ankle-length skirts
- Typically wool or linen
- Added warmth and modesty
🧺 Apron
- Essential for cooking, cleaning, and fieldwork
- Durable and utilitarian
🧣 Kerchief or Shawl
- Wrapped around the shoulders or neck
- Provided warmth and coverage
👒 Cap or Coif
- Linen head covering tied under the chin
- Maintained cleanliness and modesty
3. Key Garments Worn by Peasant Men
👕 Shirt
- Loose-fitting, long-sleeved linen shirt
- Worn as an underlayer and sometimes for sleep
🦺 Waistcoat
- Sleeveless vest with buttons
- Made from wool or heavy cotton
- Added warmth and pockets for utility
👖 Breeches
- Knee-length trousers, fastened with ties or buttons
- Worn with stockings or long socks
🧥 Frock Coat or Jacket
- Heavy wool coat for cooler seasons
- Practical cut with minimal decoration
🧦 Stockings and Shoes
- Wool or knit stockings
- Leather shoes, wooden clogs, or boots
🎩 Hats
- Felt or straw hats for sun and weather protection
4. Common Materials and Fabrics Used
Peasants had limited access to fabric, often relying on home-produced or locally sourced materials.
| Material | Common Use | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Wool | Coats, bodices, breeches | Warm, durable, water-resistant |
| Linen | Shirts, chemises, aprons | Breathable, absorbent |
| Hemp/Flax | Work clothes | Strong, coarse texture |
| Homespun Cotton | Undergarments | Inexpensive, rare until late 18th century |
Clothing was usually undyed or naturally dyed in muted colors like gray, brown, blue, or dull green. Bright colors were too expensive and reserved for wealthier classes.
5. Sewing, Repairing & Recycling Clothes
Peasant garments were not disposable. Every piece of clothing was hand-sewn, often by the women of the household. Clothing was:
- Mended repeatedly
- Altered for younger children or relatives
- Turned into rags or patchwork when too worn
A single shirt could last for decades if well cared for.
6. Peasant Fashion by Region
France:
- Short bodices with fuller skirts
- “Sabots” (wooden clogs) are common footwear
England:
- Smock-frocks for men
- Flat caps or wide-brimmed hats
Germany & Austria:
- Regional embroidery on aprons or bodices
- Heavy woolen coats called “Joppen”
Despite local differences, the general characteristics remained: practical, layered, and humble.
7. Social and Cultural Meaning of Clothing
In the 1760s, clothing often signified a person’s social class, marital status, or regional identity. For peasants, clothing reinforced modesty, tradition, and a strong connection to labor and family.
Even in hardship, some families added decorative touches—embroidery on aprons, colorful thread, or handmade lace trims—to show pride in their heritage or skill.
8. How Peasant Fashion Influences Modern Historical Costuming
Today, reenactors, historical drama producers, and costume designers study peasant clothing to reflect authenticity. Simplicity, resourcefulness, and natural materials are now appreciated in a new light, especially as people explore:
- Sustainable fashion
- Slow sewing and mending
- Cottagecore and vintage-inspired aesthetics
Conclusion: The Humble Beauty of 1760s Peasant Fashion
While not glamorous by today’s standards, 1760s peasant fashion was rich in meaning, functionality, and resilience. These garments tell a powerful story of working-class life in the 18th century—marked by simplicity, labor, and the creative use of limited resources.
By understanding what peasants wore, we gain a deeper appreciation for the everyday lives that shaped history far beyond the palaces and ballrooms.