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: Why Did Colonial Men Wear Wigs? | The Classroom
Why Did Colonial Men Wear Wigs? Wigs were a fashionable item in colonial America in the 18th century. The full-bottomed periwig, which had a cascade of curls, was by far the most popular in the early part of the century, but wigs decreased in size toward the end of the century. The wigs were commonly made of human, horse, goat, or yak hair; human hair wigs were the most expensive. They became popular because of European influence, a desire to appear older, and to distinguish among classes. To Appear Older
Many men wore wigs to make themselves appear older. According to an article by Steven Mintz, wigs contributed to a patriarchal appearance. Husbands were significantly older than their wives and wore wigs and elaborate waistcoats to make themselves seem even older.