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At the beginning of this time, clothes were not that different. Men still wore short trousers, called breeches, which were made of the roughest linen or wool. These were worn over a pair of tights. Women would wear linen shirts under a bodice and a wide, full-length skirt, usually made of wool. Both sexes would often wear hats. Men wore long wigs or had their own hair long, usually well down to shoulder level and curly. The wealthy still had far more extravagant clothing as you can see in the photo. By now people, both men and women, would be wearing underpants. In the middle of the period, when Cromwell ruled, people were encouraged to wear very simple clothing. Contrary to what you may have heard, not all Puritan clothing was black. Black dye was very expensive so only the wealthy could afford it. Most Puritans would cover their heads when they went out. Men would comb and tie back their hair. Their hats would have a brim and be made of straw or felt. These hats might sometimes have a buckle at the front. Women wore similar hats to the men or a very simple bonnet tied under the chin. Hair was usually centrally parted and tied at the back. The Puritans also tried to ban women from wearing any sort of make-up. Luxury clothing would be made of silk. Both men and women wore leather shoes or boots. They had virtually no heels and rounded toes. Toward the end of this period, shoes would have buckles. Most people had a belt, on to which they would attach their purses and knives. Clothes rarely had pockets.
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