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

Content: Shift - The shift was the undergarment (underwear) worn by women. It was usually made from white linen and was like a long shirt or short dress that went down to the knees. Woman in Gown
Photo by Ducksters
Stay - The stay was worn over the shift. The stay was very stiff and uncomfortable. It was lined with hard materials like bones, wood, or metal in order to stay straight. 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.