Course:History 344 Nasty Families/Pastimes/Cavalier

Cavalier Style Fashion

During the seventeenth century, fashion underwent rapid fluctuations following the decline of the Elizabethan style. The fashion of the time shifted between two styles: tight modest clothing and a more loose and flamboyant styling.1 During the reign of Charles I, the style of the French Cavalier was introduced. Charles can be seen portraying this Cavalier style of fashion in many famous works of art,2 such as Anton Van Dyke's portrayal of Charles I on a hunting expedition.

The Apparel

Charles I wearing a typical Cavalier Outfit

There were certain features of the Cavalier style. The colors of clothing were beginning to brighten and the fabrics were those of soft velvets, leathers or other valuable materials. Hair was worn long, curly, and topped with a wide-brimmed hat that would be adorned with a feather. To complete this outfit, one would wear swashbuckler boots with spurs, finely stitched gloves and a saber or sword, ready at the hip.3

Affiliation

During this time, Cavaliers, especially those in England, came to be known as more Catholic in nature. They opposed the modest and tempered down fashions of the Puritans. As well, they tended to be supporters of Charles I. This lead to the cavalier style to be politicized during the English Civil War (1642-1648) when supporters of Charles I adorned this fashion as a symbol of support for their king.4

Opposition

A similar, but more modest, style emerged while the cavalier style was in Fashion. This was the roundhead, which was more popular among the Puritans, as it appealed to their modest dress style. Puritans believed that excess was a sin, while the Cavaliers of the time favored a style of dress that featured more flamboyant and audacious characteristics, such as embroidery. The roundheads also had a significantly different hairstyle, preferring short bobs over the long flowing locks of the cavalier.5 [BN: How much would a cavalier outfit cost, I wonder?]

Cost

The Typical Cavalier outfit could range in cost depending on the quality of materials and craftsmanship. The following is a general estimation for a typical Cavalier outfit in the mid-seventeenth century: silver-hilted sword, 5 pounds; annual shaving and wig dressing account, 2 pounds; silk breeches, 1 pound 12 shillings; men's silk stockings, 17 shillings 4 farthings; and men's lace ruffles, 16 shillings. The daily pay of a journeyman Tailor would be approximately 2/2, or 2 shillings and 2 farthings.6

1 Robinson, Scott. Cavalier/Puritan, "Cavalier Costume." Accessed February 7, 2012. http://www.cwu.edu/~robinsos/ppages/resources/Costume_History/cavalier.htm.�2 Flicker, "Charls I hunting." Accessed February 7, 2012. http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagination-historique/3353670029/.�3 Fashion Encyclopedia, "Seventeenth Century Fashion." Accessed February 7, 2012. http://www.fashionencyclopedia.com/fashion_costume_culture/European-Culture-17th-Century/Seventeenth-Century-Clothing.html.�4 Fashion Encyclopedia�5 Fashion Encyclopedia 6. Picard, Liza. "First Foot Gaurds." Accessed February 8, 2012. http://footguards.tripod.com/08HISTORY/08_costofliving.htm.