Wool Leggings

[twobarrel]

I want to make a pair of wool leggings, but I'm not sure about the color being pc for the late 1700's. the color is dark green. Not olive drab but more like cedar needles. Would this be pc or should I use red or black?

[dsrtfox1942]

My opinion, it is completely PC. Depending on what your impression is, it could be even more so. It's prior to your time frame, but some Roger's Rangers wore dark green wool leggings.

[William]

Do not use black, as it was somewhat expensive and not likely to be used on anything but Sunday clothes prior to 1850 or so, plus the black dye used today is quite different from what was used back then and does not fade to the same color(s).

Here's what I have found so far relating to colors;
"The thing you want to avoid is bright modern colors, which are post 1870 or so. Old blues are a bit greenish or grayish (from indigo). Reds are dark, or expensive scarlet. Olive greens are good. Brown and gray were popular too."
Check out the information about colors on this webpage too; http://oldetoolshop.com/trekking/library/shirtcolors.html
Here's one place to find fabric; http://www.periodfabric.com

I think the dark green will do you well, but red is acceptable too.

[twobarrel]

Thanks for the help. The blanket cost me 2 dollars at an auction so I won't mind cutting it up. They sold it as a dog blanket. Tight weave medium weight.

[William]

Oh, I think that fits the general theme here (T.M. on the C.).

[Red Badger]

Oh, I think that fits the general theme here (T.M. on the C.).

[david32cal]

twobarrel here is a pair i just made. got the material from Burnley & Trowbridge,they call it a tobacco green. i think any medium to dark green would be fine.