The first thing any member needs to do is to build their “kit”, or collection of clothing articles and other accessories to fit the part of a 18th century minute man. Below is a list of reputable suppliers. BUT – do not be discouraged from joining us because you’re intimidated by the kit. We may already have much of the clothing you need, so we’re glad to get you started!
Here are some and reliable suppliers to help build your kit:
Townsends: https://www.townsends.us probably has the biggest selection out there. They are definitely a safe choice for the basics:
Work shirt: https://www.townsends.us/collections/mens-shirts-and-smocks/products/18th-century-workshirt-cotton-sh-124
Gaiters (Splatterdashes) – good to hide modern shoes or for parades when modern shoes are more comfortable. Get black not white. https://www.townsends.us/collections/breeches-leggings-and-trousers/products/half-length-spatterdashes-black-new-version
Waistcoats: – good for pretty much anything other than National Park events. Townsends uses linen and the National Park requires wool. Whereas wool is great in cold weather it can be brutal in the hot summer. Any of the colors they offer are acceptable. https://www.townsends.us/collections/mens-waistcoats/products/1770s-waistcoat-in-linen
Samson Historical: Another great supplier. They offer wool, which is great, but lack a selection of colors.
Breeches: Choose brown or white wool for most events: https://www.samsonhistorical.com/collections/breeches
Frock Coats: Choose one of wool, has a collar, and sleeve cuffs: https://www.samsonhistorical.com/collections/coats-frocks?filter.p.product_type=Woolen+Frocks
Great Coat: Optional but awesome in really cold weather. https://www.samsonhistorical.com/collections/coats-frocks?filter.p.product_type=Cold+Weather
Shirt: Either linen or cotton are fine. It’s mostly hidden by your waistcoat and frock coat anyway. https://www.samsonhistorical.com/collections/mens-shirts
Shoes: Pick a buckle shoe and buckle of your choice. Keep in mind if you’re portraying a common colonist simple is probably more realistic. https://www.samsonhistorical.com/collections/shoes-buckles
Stockings: Although wool would be the correct standard, cotton is just fine and usually a lot more comfortable. Don’t forget to include a garter so they don’t fall down! https://www.samsonhistorical.com/collections/mens-stockings
Canteen: The National Park will require wood so this one is pretty good, but if you want to participate with the park they’ll make you change the strap for a hemp strap. If not, you’re good anywhere else. https://www.samsonhistorical.com/products/wood-canteen
Neckwear: A neck stock or neckerchief would have always been worn. Here are some solid choices: https://www.samsonhistorical.com/collections/mens-accessories/products/black-linen-neck-stock,
Matt Brenkel: https://www.facebook.com/brencklehats/. Matt is the gold standard. He will custom make you a hat that you’ll love. It costs more but it’s just the best. He makes all the hats for the USS Constitution crew as well.
Bethlehem Trading Post: New Hampshire based provider.
Breeches: These look great. https://bethlehemtradingpost.com/e/18th-Century-Breeches-Wool-Flannel-p500314059
Shirt: https://bethlehemtradingpost.com/e/18th-Century-Mens-Linen-Shirt-English-Style-p373606148
Shoes: https://bethlehemtradingpost.com/e/18th-Century-Shoes-Mens-Leather-Shoes-p586110348. Don’t forget to get a buckle too. https://bethlehemtradingpost.com/e/Shoe-Buckles-p586101589
These are good places to start! Leave comments if you have other suppliers or questions.