Title: Why Did Colonial Men Wear Wigs? | The Classroom
Headings: Why Did Colonial Men Wear Wigs?
Why Did Colonial Men Wear Wigs?
To Appear Older
Distinguish Classes
For All Occasions
Imitate Europeans
To Appear Conservative
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Content: Distinguish Classes
Wigs were worn in colonial times to make class distinctions clear. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation explains that even the color of wigs could indicate class and position. Professionals frequently wore gray wigs; tradesmen usually donned brown wigs; white wigs were reserved for judges and military officers. White wigs were also worn for formal occasions, but many men simply powdered a colored wig white because they did not own a white wig. For All Occasions
It wasn't uncommon for men to own an assortment of wigs, as wigmaker Terry Lyons explains. There were wigs for evening wear, for everyday wear, for business, for riding. Wigs were made to match certain outfits; different styles and types of hair were also used for a variety of purposes and occasions.