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Post by armando on Jun 5, 2022 15:25:46 GMT -7
Let's talk about breechclouts because during the summer, this is what I will be wearing more often.
I haven't made one yet so I'm looking for pointers from folks who wear'em, use'em and love'em.
My Cherokee buddies have shown me how they make theirs but I"m wondering if the 18th century frontiersman version would be different. Did they make their own? Did they trade for them? Did they put the "stripes" on them?
Wool?
Did they make a "liner"?
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Post by brokennock on Jun 5, 2022 15:50:26 GMT -7
Wool, lined with burlap..... that will cure you of the breach clout idea, lol...
Way too buggy here for that much exposure.
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Jun 5, 2022 16:38:24 GMT -7
It’s been years since I’ve worn a breechclout. Wool, sized for modesty and comfort. In my research on central Pennsylvania in the 1750s, I get consistent mention of stroud for material.
I can’t think of a single reason to line one, but I’m not certain what the historical standard was.
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Post by spence on Jun 5, 2022 16:52:53 GMT -7
I wear one occasionally, but never as my only clothing, always under my farmers/wagoners smock. You can see that in my avatar and below. I've collected quite a few references to them, but only mentions, never any description. In my collection they are mostly called "breech clout', but also "breech cloth", once "match clouts" and once, by an Indian, "man's flap". I made mine of a fairly soft, pale yellow linen, simply as a long rectangle, 56" long and 12" wide. I'm 5' 9", waist 41" and that fits me nicely. I just hemmed it all around using a simple running stitch. No decoration. I wear it with a soft, flexible buckskin thong around my waist, and have never had any problems of any kind with it.  Spence |
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Post by paranger on Jun 5, 2022 17:03:23 GMT -7
Mine is saved list stroud. I have never seen any period reference to lined breechclouts. Don't be intimidated by the wool. Unless you are allergic, it works just fine. Widths from 9-12" seem to be what I see, with several native reenactors I have read suggesting that the narrower end of that range is more authentic. I cannot, however confirm that with any primary sources.
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Post by Black Hand on Jun 6, 2022 4:31:31 GMT -7
I wore a clout for years and then I put on breeches. No drafts, bugs, grit, fir needles...ever.
I also don't miss the "high-speed atomic wedgie" that happens when you step on the back of your clout when squatting and then try to stand up.
Ultimately, I believe wool was the most common.
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Jun 6, 2022 5:13:12 GMT -7
I no longer have an ‘authentic’ physique to pull off a clout…
(Hahahahahaha!)
…but if I did, I’d consider a few things.
Will you be portraying a Native or a European? What other garments will you be wearing? Mocs, leggings, and shirt? Will you grease your entire body? Is this for a public portrayal or of your own exploration of the woods?
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Post by Sicilianhunter on Jun 6, 2022 5:30:38 GMT -7
  I guess it’s no coincidence that I literally just finished a linen breech clout last night for an upcoming event! It got some stripes of wool tape to give the ends a little weight. I’m not a huge fan of this garment for the same issues mentioned but in the TX heat and humidity, I’m giving it another go!! I haven’t determined what kind of belt is best: a thong to just hold it in place or something more stout that can also hold up leggings? I don’t know if you can see it well in the pics but it’s 11.5”x58.5”, no lining, hand sewn with waxed linen thread. I’ll make a wool one next for comparison. One note, the more narrow clouts are attributed to the eastern nations |
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Post by Black Hand on Jun 6, 2022 5:38:21 GMT -7
I hear a silk scarf makes an excellent belt for a clout.
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Jun 6, 2022 5:56:19 GMT -7
A sturdy leather belt did NOT work well for me. Leather on soft skin on your hips chafes, and the rigid nature without the cushioning effect of clothing put a lot of pressure on the points of my hip bones. Silk scarf or soft deerskin thong would be my choice.
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Post by spence on Jun 6, 2022 7:32:51 GMT -7
I haven’t determined what kind of belt is best: a thong to just hold it in place or something more stout that can also hold up leggings? When I wear a clout I always also wear leather leggings and fasten them to the same thong, no problems. Spence |
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Post by hawkeyes on Jun 8, 2022 11:13:29 GMT -7
I find the narrow clouts wear better. I have four wool and one simple linen version that are worn on treks throughout the year. A very comfortable garment, easy to wear with leggings or without. Model it around for the Mrs, I "like" to think they love it... 😄
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Post by Black Hand on Jun 8, 2022 11:34:39 GMT -7
Honey - does my butt look big in this clout...?
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