"Common Use" Buyers Guide for Beginner-Intermediate 18th Century Clothing | For Men

[@72buffaloman]

I appreciate the authenticity and also keeping the historical craftsmanships alive. That being said hand sewn vs machine sewn will not ruin your own personal experience. Thanks Ethan for the good starter list. Some of these items may change for individuals depending on what time of year and environment you plan on . If you're still hunting in Pennsylvania in January then multiply this list by 3 😂.

[@paulwharton3488]

Good morning, thank you for this video, very well done. My 9 year old granddaughter's interest in getting into1812 reenacting started me on the journey into 18th century life and reenacting as well. I spent 2024 getting to as many events as I could and was fortunate enough to meet Linda of Linda's Early Fashions who has made for me a linen shirt, mattress ticking drop front pants, suspenders and a double cape hunting smock all for less than $500 CDN. A waistcoat and shoes will be next and a pair of Townsend's glasses are on the way. You are very correct, wear your clothes and be comfortable in them, it makes such a difference. Thank you again for all your videos they are interesting and very helpful.

[@NethenR3471]

Great video. Thank you so much for what you are doing. These videos are very important to keep the living history world alive

[@andrewryder70]

Another brand that I have had great experience with is Bethlehem trading post, their sleeved waistcoat looks great and good quality. And seem to have relatively low prices

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Bethlehem has some great stuff, I've heard good things about them!

[@terrenceclayton8043]

Bethlehem Trading is much better and more authentic that other sutlers that were mentioned.

[@Randman64]

Vinnie, has great stuff.

[@nicolemaddock5227]

Female reenacctor with a Rev War group- very nicely done. Our leadership team has decided to file this away for newbies. Great starter!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Wow, thanks!

[@1SemperDad]

Excellent video Ethan. Keep'em coming. Another good source for period correct "off the rack" items is Daniel Boone of Kentucky run by Steven Caudell. His focus is on shoes and boots but has expanded to beeches, weskits, and frock coats. The ladies love his silk and block print neckerchiefs. He doesn't run a website, or produce a catalog. You can catch him at most of the bigger events. Ft Fredrick, Ft Massac, Camden and many more.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I have ogled at Steve’s tent since I was a boy! Great stuff for sure. This video was focused on vendors that offer online ordering for ease of access.

[@FolkFirearmsCollective]

This is a great topic and video! It’s interesting seeing the differences as well as overlap between F&I war, Rev War periods vs the westward movement Fur Trade (pre-1840). The knowledgeable Mountain Men era and mentors here out west have done much to aid me. They study trade journals and archives of forts and trade records. (Hint soak that white shirt in water you soaked a bunch of tea in to darken it up and “age” it. I’ve had all mine made by artisan friends based on historical patterns, some borrowed patterns found in certain museums of the west. My struggle is finding a hat now. My best piece of kit is my hunters jacket: 3 buckskins taken by me and sons, smoke brain tanned in Blackfeet methods by local, hand made to pattern. Priceless coat to me. Thanks for the links Ethan.

[@Bayan1905]

I tell people that if they can, go to a reenactment and then talk to some of the reenactors, you will find a lot from them and I know a couple of the local regiments where I am, many of them are not only Rev War, but they also do French & Indian War and a couple of the members themselves make clothing for others. Also, look for classes that are being taught, I took one recently on how to make pucker toe/center seam moccasins. Fort Ticonderoga where I am does several classes over the year on various pieces of clothing, and you get to attend, make them by hand and keep what you make. It costs some money, but not as much as if you were paying for someone else to do it. All in all, the biggest reason many don't get into reenacting is the cost.

[@martinmeltzer2696]

Hey Ethan! Excellent subject and I enjoyed learning your viewpoint. Of course everybody wants to start out with authentic looking clothing & equipment... but... the cruel reality is everyone has to start somewhere. When you're a beginner, the main thing is to take the plunge, MAKE a start, and get out there to enjoy this excellent hobby! (C'mon in! The water's fine!) Resist the very tempting urge to get everything at once. Some end up being the Roger's Ranger that lived in a Tipi, and used a Hawken Rifle! Heartfelt Sigh! (A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!) Do some research on the period(s) you want to portray. Talk to experienced people. (They don't bite and most are eager to share their knowledge with you!) Use the time to save your money. Build up a "War Chest" of available funds, and make considered purchases off your desired list. In the fullness of time, you will be the proud owner of an "Outfit"! Not a costume. Well Done!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you Martin! My goal with this video was to take away some of the initial barrier to entry. Time will tell, but I hope it helps! I've been there as a ranger with the hawken, lol. Oh to do it over ;)

[@wfldfire]

I wish this video was around 6 years ago when I started living history. Very good video

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I try to make videos for a younger me and answer those questions. Thanks for watching

[@Miningpastpresentfuture]

“you won’t look like the leading actor”. Good comment, it is better to look like the background people. Be historically correct, but fitting in with the crowd. If you are at a wilderness fort then try to look like a farmer, hunter or common craftsman such as blacksmith or carpenter. If doing a living history at a town then that opens up lots of trades, craftsmen and merchants. Thank you Ethan this was a very good video.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you, I wrote that line several different ways, but I think it came out right in the end. In a way, that was the core thesis of this video. Thank you for the kind words.

[@Homespunmusic]

As for eyewear, this alone disqualifies me for most reenactment groups and events. The extremes of my prescription, at my age, requires a modern frame of specific dimensions. Without them, I can't see all that well, let alone shoot my firelock. Nonetheless, I enjoy the muzzleloading pursuit fully and as best as I can. Thank you for the great video, Ethan!

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

Ethan great video I believe the source you are quoting for shoes in the backcountry is from Westward into Kentucky The narrative of Daniel Trabue . Being pursued by Indians Daniel says " my shoes was wet and too big for me. I kicked them off and went past them. I thought of the silver buckles that was in them which was worth $6. I turned around and reached them. I then looked back. I saw the Indians a coming" cheers Ron

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Thank you! I feel a fool for not citing the source now. Timehas a funny way of warping priorities.

[@gerald5344]

Thanks, looks interesting and turns out my local Library Friends even have a copy for sale.

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

@@gerald5344 it's a very good source with lots of details of items used in the backcountry of Virginia (Kentucky) during the 1770s through the 1780s. Enjoy. Ron

[@FlintlockOperator]

Fantastic video! Thanks for putting it together. Now I don't have to do one!

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

I have always wanted to bog tan some leather. I have a fen. The wood buried in it gets mineralized. Not broken down like peat. I watch because I have good luck muzzleloader hunting. I keep my 1851 on me at all times while out bear hunting. Found some traps at yard sales working on getting them seasoned. I love the black and white hunting pics. Mike Avery says to put the tongue in the mouth and clean the animal some before taking the pic. I go bear hunting in hopes of making a coat out of it. There was a 15 year old hunting bear with her grandpa. She got a 600 lb bear. It had 8 inches of fat. Only weighed 270 lbs after cape and fat was removed. I always thought muskrat would make some nice warm gloves. Spend some time deer hunting watching muskrats. I actually bow hunt in the red flannel sitting at picnic table. Gotta move slow with 5 pairs of deer eyes on you. I call it old timer hunting.

[@gerald5344]

Those glasses look good! I just can't do contacts either.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Several months in, I'm still a fan. Lots of compliments at events, not one negative comment so far.

[@AustinB.3322]

00:02:47 "Lenin is King when it comes to historic accuracy." I like that.

[@briangibbs5703]

Thanks Ethan!

[@robertshuffelen9172]

Good 👍 video!

[@calebfoster552]

Great video bro

[@michaelpatterson9185]

I know this isn’t the topic, but what do you know about the recent mishap at the GOEX plant ?

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Nothing more than is being reported. Thankfully no one was hurt

[@matthewmiller7173]

Great video. I hope you can do a ladies version of this soon.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I don't know that I have the knowledge to cover that at the moment, but perhaps I could get some experts to consult on that.

[@Bill_tyler]

How and where can I find these re-enactments, rendezvous or groups? The ones I’ve found are guarded and I e been trying for years

[@markmichel6802]

Can those glasses be fitted with bifocals? That is the last thing I really need for a good outfit.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I’m not sure but their website would be able to help you

[@JamesJustice1957]

Where did you get the glasses

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

13:55

[@leonstancliff7218]

I have been historically reenacting civilian lifestyle for every time frame from 1650-1850 for more than 20 years. I wrote my Masters Thesis on the subject, so yes I do it accurately. I do not have as much money invested in my entire wardrobe for an eight day camp as you have in that one outfit! Those prices are highway robbery!

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

What do you recommend as an alternative?

[@dlh1947us]

@@ILoveMuzzleloading hand knit red cap wool, blanket shirt and leggings, breach cloth, moccasins. All for less than a $100 do it yourself. Top it off with a used trade gun. Rendezvous anywhere. Never wash your clothes. My outfit for 50 years never had any problems. This is how Joe Meek the mountain man dressed and many others as well. Most clothing on the frontier was made from trade blankets and trade cloth.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Great options of course! I’m just not brave enough to wear a breech cloth

[@leonstancliff7218]

@@ILoveMuzzleloading The expense of a reenactor's wardrobe is directly connected to his persona. This $1500 outfit is the clothing of a plantation owner, rich merchant or political official. It is not even the garb of a "middlin' farmer". Even a craftsman or tradesman would wear rough clothes in daily work, covered by an apron. 99% of the population were working as laborers or small farmers and might manage the fabric for one cheap new shirt and one pair of trousers each year. Masters were only required, by law, to provide apprentices with one outfit per year. What they wore would be patched and repatched in random pattern until unrecognizable. The closer to the Rev-war you get the more "homespun" was used as a part of the national boycott against English goods, so those "bright colors" you value would be antipatriotic from a Rebel reenactor. A frontier persona can go with a hand sewn homespun shirt, sailcloth leggin's, breechcloth and headscarf. The shirt was knee length and sashed at the waist so don't be afraid to wear a breechcloth, no one will ever see it. (You can even sneak modern trousers in if you wear the shirt and leggin's properly. They will be unseen.) Everything I have stated is verified in journals and diaries as observed in the colonies. Go to the works of Woodmason, Criswell and the Draper Manuscripts. Woodmason described and complained about the state of undress in which the men and women appeared at his church services. He also complained constantly about passing out from heat due to his wool clothes.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

@@leonstancliff7218 I'm not arguing your points at all. I presented this video as one point, I have never and never will claim to provide the only or "right" way to do things. There are a lot of videos about clothing that you are describing, I wanted to provide another source for people to reference.

[@30CalCoreLokt]

Any good videos of making moccasins?

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

My friend at the deerskin diary has one : kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6ablomMdsubaZosi=ZkB5chiyz0WPChnS

[@terrenceclayton8043]

Take a trek out to Ft. Frederick Market Fair in April. Make room on your card, though... I think it is worth suggesting that you try to research the era and the region that you are portraying. Generalities can be misleading.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

I’d love to make it to Ft Frederick someday. With work and family it’s been tough and expensive to travel that far.

[@robertmalmgren4640]

Another option is to attend an event and see what others have for sale. I received pants shirt and stockings from someone who was getting out of the hobby.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Yes, deals can be found that way, but it's important to research first so you know you are getting accurate items.

[@micwell2247]

LOL reenacting would be great if you didn't run into people whom don't know how to act once their wives let them out of the house ...DTR come to the for front. There is such a level of "I'm in charge mantra", it's simply embarrassing for the public to see ..

[@SteveAubrey1762]

What does DTR stand for? I'm not being smart, I'm just not familiar with it. Your spot on though. I did ACW reenacting back in the 90s and early 2000s. Just didn't enjoy the drama.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Yeah, I don't play survival commando, I much more enjoy chillin' in the woods.

[@jaycottrell8260]

bro said affordable and then showed $190 pants and a $170 shirt and $170 shoes ... $40 kerchef ... $120 hat ... $280-$400 jacket..... Like that comes out to more than I spent on my ML ... youre out of your mind

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Better to save and buy well researched items than pay double that over time hunting for the right things

[@Scottmiller1974ohio]

I think to much is put on the outfits of the upper to middel class...the backwoodsmen wouldn't of had such nice clean stuff or not for long anyway...even buckskiners looking like they just got their britches from wallmart ...if ur persona is a well to do mearchant...army officer ect from the mid to late 18 century it's cool ..but poor, or low working class ..which a larger majority were..didn't look nearly that prestigious...buckskin kneebretches were the working man's go to. Nothing wrong with stains patches or even holes..I for one never bye reenactment clothing new ..not ever...not only is used a lot cheaper but it's allready got the well used look...even the golden tan bucksking ppl use isn't right ..deer hide was brain or bark tanned and or soaked with Cod oil.the modern color. Was not even possible then .the trappers and hunters if the time especially ..would of looked ruff..dirt greasy bloody .. and being out in the bush for 6 months a year longer ..they didn't bother themselves with cultural norms ..the war was over so now men had choices in their appearance so facial hair would of been a thing ..several retired vets I know now have grown their hair long and grew beards ..because the now had the option. ..I see no difference then ...ur clothing should reflect ur profession as it would of then ..how many spotless deer skinners have u ever seen . How many log cutters would of warn a coat with tails..don't be afraid to get dirty ..ur ancestors sure did ..

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Agreed! It's all about what each different persons' goals. Hand sewn is super cool, and I hope to have more items made by artists I follow someday, but baby clothes come first at the moment, haha.