Colonial reenactment costumes are in high demand, of course. The high resurgence of interest in our country’s history, and in our political roots, has brought this time period firmly into our minds.

The beauty of Colonial dresses and the detail of Colonial uniforms and men’s clothing tap into our sense of beauty anf fantasy as well. This is a time where all elements of clothing began to show more complicated and higher quality techniques. Colonial shoes are quite similar to our top of the line dress shoes, but offer much more variation than what modern society permits.

There are a number of Colonia reenactment groups which drive demand for Colonial reenactment costumes, and school plays as well as local play houses always have need for historical costumes.

Colonial clothing, while being a bit more complicated than, say, a viking t-tunic, is still fairly easy for those with moderate sewing skills to make. The materials are usually cotton or linen for everyday clothing, and silk and silk satin for higher classes attending public functions. Manmade materials such as polyester and rayon were obviously not used in that time period, and should be avoided if you’re making an attempt at historical accuracy in your Colonial reenactment clothing.  However, if your Colonial costume is for a school play, halloween, or a similar need, any fabric that looks reasonably period will work fine.

If you’re looking to buy Colonial reenactment costumes there are plenty of options available on the internet. For plays and such, you can check with a local costume shop, but if historically accurate Colonial clothing is what you’re after, you’ll need to look online or purchase a well researched pattern and take it to a seamstress to make if you’re unable to make it yourself. You may also be able to find a reenactment group nearby. Many times historical costumes can be purchased at the reenactments these groups participate in. If not, the reenactors will often be more than happy to help you to make your own Colonia reenactment costume.