Clothing, 1819 -1900 in NSW

[Leanne.]

I'm trying to find information about the type of clothing people would have worn between 1819 -1900 in Sydney NSW

I've been doing some searching but there are so many different styles and different information I'm lost and confused.

I need some clothing ideas for Men, Women, Girls aged 3 yrs - 12 yrs and 9 year old boy.
I have found some things they aren't original clothing but people are now making clothes but they are so expensive. I've been to a few charity stores but couldn't really find anything suitable.

My family is volunteering and need to dress in period costume there is 2 adults and 5 children so it's starting to get very expensive. I found one online site that wanted $190 for a skirt and $65 for an apron.

I have a sewing machine and found a few patterns online, but I am not an expert and some of the things I have tried to make look crap.

I know this isn't a family tree topic but thought it might be ok to ask about it here, someone on here might have some information that could help me.

[majm]

Perhaps phone or email NSW State Library ... they are  excellent for all things NSW

Cheers JM

[tedscout]

Dear Leanne,

1819 -1900 is a large number of years of fashion in Australia. Most of the people who came here from 1819 to about 1840 were convicts - so many wore rags.

1840 -1900 many wealthy people emigrated to Australia because of the promise of land. For these people the fashions of London were only 3 months away, or less, by ship.

We also get during this period - Gold miners, Immigrant brides, refugees from wars, and people from many lands.

Also for much of this period in Australia - throw away the sewing machine - most families didn't have one.

I can give you more help and info if you can give me more details about what you need.

(shhh don't tell anyone but I have studied historical fashion).

So yes you came to the right place, cheers Ted

[Leanne.]

Dear Leanne,

1819 -1900 is a large number of years of fashion in Australia. Most of the people who came here from 1819 to about 1840 were convicts - so many wore rags.

1840 -1900 many wealthy people emigrated to Australia because of the promise of land. For these people the fashions of London were only 3 months away, or less, by ship.

We also get during this period - Gold miners, Immigrant brides, refugees from wars, and people from many lands.

Also for much of this period in Australia - throw away the sewing machine - most families didn't have one.

I can give you more help and info if you can give me more details about what you need.

(shhh don't tell anyone but I have studied historical fashion).

So yes you came to the right place, cheers Ted

Thanks Ted, I realise it's a long period of time and there would have been a lot of different styles.
I mainly gave those dates because I thought it might be easier to find something simple, instead of being limited to a certain year.

Where I am volunteering the buildings were made between 1819 and 1890. At the moment I am wearing a long black velvet skirt, a simple white button up cotton blouse and a white mob cap and a crocheted shawl.
Which is what most of the people are wearing. I'm just trying to expand my collection a bit and also find some stuff for the family.
I think we are dressing for the lower to middle class, but I wouldn't mind a few upper class articles to dress up in when we have fancy events.

Does that help at all? What information would be helpful ?

[tedscout]

I'll start with the 9 year old boy. Pretty much the same if there was some money in the family or if they were poor. Tweed jacket, a shirt (with or without a collar - without was poorer). A tie. a pair of pants (not modern trackies) something with a straight leg will do - doesnt have to match the jacket. And a cap

I'm trying to post a photo of my son aged 8 at a similar event - but it is a bit big.

[tedscout]

the 9yo son. Put lace up boots on his feet. This lad was not allowed to wear boots indoors.

[Jennaya]

I have in my personal library a ladies journal (undated) but I believe to be between 1900 to 1910. I could scan and send you some pics. Some of the simpler garments would be reasonably easy to copy. (LOL depends on your sewing skills)

Regards
Jennaya

[ennael]

Hi,
  Try the Powerhouse Museum.

Leanne