The First Fleet was a group of ships that travelled from England to Australia in 1788. On board were over 700 convicts, as well as soldiers, sailors and officials. The journey took around 8 months and the conditions on board were tough. One of the challenges faced by the convicts was what to wear. They needed clothing that was practical, durable and affordable.

What Clothing Did Convicts Wear?

The clothing worn by convicts on the First Fleet was simple and functional. Men wore loose-fitting shirts and trousers, made from sturdy materials such as canvas or wool. Women wore dresses, usually made from calico or a similar fabric. Both men and women wore jackets or coats when the weather was cold.

Convicts were not given new clothing when they arrived in Australia. Instead, they were issued with a set of clothes that had been worn by previous convicts. These clothes were often in poor condition, and had to be mended and patched up.

What Were The Clothes Made Of?

The clothing worn by convicts on the First Fleet was made from a range of materials. For shirts and trousers, canvas was the most common material. This was a tough, durable fabric that could withstand the harsh conditions on board ship and in the Australian climate. Wool was also used for trousers and jackets, as it was warm and long-lasting. Women's dresses were usually made from calico or similar lightweight cotton fabrics.

Convicts were not given many clothes, so they had to make do with what they had. This meant that they often had to patch up their clothes and make repairs themselves. They would use whatever materials they had to hand, such as old rags or scraps of fabric.

How Did Convicts Get Their Clothes?

Convicts were given a set of clothes when they arrived in Australia. This included a shirt, trousers, jacket or coat, hat, shoes and stockings. However, these clothes were not new. They had been worn by previous convicts, and were often in poor condition. Convicts had to mend and repair their clothes themselves, using whatever materials they had available.

Convicts were also given a blanket, which could be used as a makeshift coat or cloak. This was important in the cold Australian winters.

What Were The Clothes Like?

The clothes worn by convicts on the First Fleet were not fashionable. They were designed to be practical and durable, rather than stylish. Men wore loose-fitting shirts and trousers, often in drab colours such as brown or grey. Women's dresses were also simple and plain, with no frills or decoration.

Convicts were not allowed to wear anything that would make them stand out. They had to wear the same clothes as everyone else, and were not allowed to have any personal items or accessories.

Conclusion

The clothing worn by convicts on the First Fleet was simple and practical. It was designed to withstand the harsh conditions on board ship and in the Australian climate. Convicts were not given new clothes when they arrived in Australia, but had to make do with what they had. They were issued with a set of clothes that had been worn by previous convicts, and had to mend and repair them themselves. Despite this, the convicts were able to survive and build new lives in Australia.

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