We believe that how you look is about more than just your own taste in clothing or your idea of comfort.
We also believe that clothing and stuff (what experts call “material culture”) is not just a sign of the times. Style also sets the tone for the times.
One reason we like eighteenth-century outfits is that they flatter the human form. A round gown makes any woman look great. And a man looks dashing in a frock coat and knee breeches.
A matter of personal preference, you say? Maybe.
But clothing is about more than good looks. Eighteenth century clothes go with a world where people argued about systems of government rather than sports scores or celebrities.
Of course, not everything was better in the eighteenth century. For example, slavery and women not being able to vote were certainly not better.
But dignity and seriousness of purpose? Maybe better in the eighteenth century than today.
Clothes may not make the man or woman. But clothes can make a mood for you and for others. And clothes can certainly make a cultural statement.
We chose clothing from the American Revolution because we love the way we feel when we wear it. It seems to cheer other people up to see us in eighteenth century outfits too.
And we’re definitely making a political statement, offering the story of America’s founding as a story that can bring polarized Americans back together today.
National Costume
One time, while visiting Walmart dressed in our outfits, the cashier asked us if we were wearing our national costume. In the country where she was born, the Philippines, that’s a big deal on special occasions.
This made us wonder: does America even have a national costume?
We think that a country’s national costume should express its best qualities. In America, that’s a love of freedom and independent thought, with courage to defend our rights.
So that’s why we humbly offer eighteenth century clothes as our nation’s common ceremonial garb.