Title: Colonial America for Kids: Women's Clothing
Headings: Colonial America
Colonial America
Women's Clothing

Content: The purpose of the stay was to help women have good posture. Stockings - Long linen or woolen stockings covered the feet and lower legs. Petticoats - Petticoats were similar to skirts. They were worn over the shift and stay and under the gown. Sometimes multiple layers of petticoats would be worn for added warmth. Many gowns were open in the front where the petticoat could be seen. Gown - The main article of clothing worn by women was the gown. The gown was worn over the stay and the petticoat. Often the gown had an opening in front where the petticoat would be seen, making the petticoat an important part of the overall dress. Gowns for working women were usually made from fabrics such as wool or cotton.