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Experience the Life
: Trades
: Milliner
Millinery
shops owned by women
In the 18th century, millinery shops were almost always owned by
women. From fabric sold in the shop, milliners would make items
such as
- shirts
- shifts
- aprons
- neckerchiefs
- caps
- cloaks
- hoods
- hats
- muffs
- ruffles
- trim for gowns
Milliners imported goods from London
In addition to being a trades woman who made fashion accessories,
the milliner was also a businesswoman who sold a wide range of fashionable
imported goods. It was not uncommon for a milliner in the colonies
to advertise that she had just imported from London the very latest
in mercery, haberdashery, jewelry, hosiery, shoes "and other
items too tedious to mention."
The other primary 18th-centurywoman's trade was that of mantua
making – or gown making. On occasion, the apprenticeship for
milliners also included learning the skills of mantua making. Independent
of a millinery shop, the gown maker was on par with the tailor –
both were skilled in cutting, fitting, and sewing but usually were
not able to sell fabric to their customers. In the 18th century,
fabric accounted for the largest part of the cost of clothing.
Millinery trade interpreted today in Margaret Hunter
shop
At the Margaret Hunter Shop in Colonial Williamsburg today, interpreters
portray the millinery business with changing 18th-century fashions,
their importance in colonial society, and the economics of importing.
In addition, interpreters practice using the accurate trade methods
and technologies appropriate to the various trades of millinery,
mantua making, tailoring, and stay making.
Milliners sewed and sold – among other things – cloaks,
mantles, hats, hoods, caps, gloves, petticoats, hoops, riding costumes,
and dresses for masquerades – all in the latest fashion.
"In a word, they furnish everything to the Ladies that can
contribute to set off their Beauty, increase their Vanity, or
render them ridiculous."
Listen to a Behind the Scenes Interview:
Milliner and Mantua Maker.
Janea Whitacre has been creating beautiful dresses in the Margaret Hunter Shop for 24 years.
 (MP3, 3.7Mb) || View transcript
This interview is part of an ongoing series of podcasts available on the Colonial Williamsburg site.
Learn more. |
For further reading:
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Historic Triangle