What Did The Roundheads Wear

Deciphering the Wardrobe of the Roundheads: A Look at 17th-Century English Puritan Fashion

The English Civil Wars (1642-1651) pitted Royalists against Parliamentarians, a conflict etched not only in bloodshed but also in contrasting styles of dress. While the Cavaliers flaunted flamboyant attire, the Parliamentarians, derisively nicknamed "Roundheads" for their close-cropped hair, presented a more austere and functional image. This article delves into the sartorial choices of the Roundheads, exploring the fabrics, styles, and social implications of their clothing. It aims to move beyond simplistic stereotypes and reveal the nuances of their wardrobe, reflecting the religious and political convictions that shaped their appearance.

The Significance of Simplicity: Religious and Political Underpinnings

The Roundhead aesthetic wasn't simply a matter of personal preference; it was a deliberate statement reflecting their Puritan beliefs. Puritanism, a branch of Protestantism emphasizing simplicity and piety, rejected the perceived extravagance and vanity of the Cavalier court. Their clothing mirrored this ethos. Ornate decoration, rich fabrics, and lavish embellishments were shunned in favor of practicality, functionality, and a subdued elegance that emphasized modesty and seriousness. This sartorial rejection of the aristocracy was a powerful symbol of their political rebellion against the monarchy.

Fabrics and Colors: A Palette of Restraint

The Roundhead wardrobe was characterized by its use of practical and relatively inexpensive fabrics. Wool was a staple, utilized in the creation of sturdy coats, breeches, and doublets. Linen, another common material, was used for shirts and undergarments. Colors were generally muted and understated. Darker shades like brown, grey, and black predominated, reflecting a seriousness of purpose and eschewing the brighter, more vibrant hues favored by the Cavaliers. While some variation existed based on social standing, the overall effect was one of deliberate plainness. For example, a wealthy Roundhead might wear a finer quality wool, but it would still be dark in color and lack excessive ornamentation.

Key Garments: Functionality over Fashion

The typical Roundhead outfit comprised several key garments:

The Doublet: A close-fitting, sleeveless jacket worn over a shirt, it was often made of wool or a wool blend. The doublet provided warmth and protection, eschewing the flamboyant embellishments of Cavalier doublets.
The Breeches: Loose-fitting trousers, usually made of wool, extending to the knee or slightly below. They were practical and functional, suitable for both riding and walking.
The Coat: A long, loose-fitting coat, typically made of wool, served as outerwear. Again, practicality and protection were key, with embellishment kept to a minimum.
The Hat: While the iconic "roundhead" look refers to short hair, the hat was a significant part of their attire. They often wore plain, broad-brimmed hats, made of felt or beaver fur, which provided protection from the elements. These were not ostentatious, unlike the elaborate hats worn by the Cavaliers.
The Shirt: Made from linen, the shirt served as an essential undergarment, providing comfort and absorbing sweat.

Accessories and Footwear: Minimalist Approach

Accessories were minimal. Simple leather belts were used to secure the breeches, and Puritan Roundheads avoided jewelry and other forms of personal adornment. Footwear consisted of sturdy leather boots or shoes, practical for the conditions of the time and suited to both walking and riding.

Social Stratification within Roundhead Dress

It's crucial to remember that not all Roundheads were created equal. While the overall style was marked by simplicity, variations existed based on social class. Wealthier Roundheads could afford finer materials and perhaps slightly more elaborate tailoring, but the overall principles of sobriety and restrained elegance remained consistent. The emphasis remained on practicality and the rejection of ostentation.

Conclusion

The clothing of the Roundheads was far more than mere fashion; it was a powerful visual representation of their religious and political beliefs. Their rejection of Cavalier extravagance was a conscious choice, reflecting their commitment to simplicity, piety, and rebellion against the perceived excesses of the monarchy. By understanding the nuances of their wardrobe, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complex social and political dynamics of the English Civil Wars.

FAQs

1. Did all Parliamentarians wear the same clothes? No, while they shared a common aesthetic of simplicity, variations existed based on social class and individual preferences. Wealthier Roundheads wore finer materials, but the overall style remained restrained.

2. Why did they cut their hair short? Long hair was associated with aristocracy and vanity; short hair was a rejection of these perceived excesses, aligning with their Puritan values of simplicity and piety.

3. Were there any regional variations in Roundhead clothing? While the core principles remained consistent, some regional variations in fabric choices and minor details in tailoring likely existed.

4. How did Roundhead clothing differ from that of other Puritan groups? While sharing a common ethos of simplicity, the specific styles and details might vary slightly between different Puritan factions and across geographical locations.

5. What happened to Roundhead fashion after the Civil Wars? The austere style of the Roundheads gradually gave way to more elaborate fashions as societal norms shifted after the Restoration. However, the legacy of their simple, functional approach remained in some aspects of future clothing styles.

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