Shift ... No, we are not talking about work here. The linen shift is a woman’s basic undergarment. It is much like a nightgown that pulls on over the head and fastens in the front. It is cut fuller in front and gather it into the neckband, which fastens with ribbon ties. When it was worn, the women had to be sure that not too much of it showed.

Petticoat... Ancestor of the modern slip, the petticoat could be made of a variety of fabrics. Since nylon wasn't invented yet, both linen and wool were common. These were ankle-length and fastened at the waist with a drawstring or waistband. Any number from one to seven could be worn depending on the social status of the individual.

Gown...This article of clothing is made of a bodice and skirt sewn together at the waist. It fastens down the front with buttons, hooks and eyes, or ribbon ties. This is a style which is somewhat old-fashioned by 1620, and is more likely to be worn by older women.

Skirt ...The women of this period did not have to debate as to where exactly the hem of the skirt should fall. Skirts were always ankle-length and gathered onto a waistband or placed on a drawstring. They were made of wool and very full. No minis here!

Waistcoat...The fitted, long-sleeved upper garment could be made of either linen or wool. The most common type had shaping created by gussets at the hips.

Coif... This close-fitting white linen cap covered the hair. It was gathered at the back of the top seam with enough room to accommodate a hair bun and fastened at the base of the neck with a drawstring inserted into the casing. You could have a really bad hair day and no one would be the wiser!

Apron ...The apron is essentially a large rectangle of cloth, either wool or linen, placed on a drawstring, such as twill tape. The apron was then gathered in the front to expose the sides skirt and was only an inch or two shorter that the skirt. Aprons occasionally had a bib and their functions was to protect clothing while performing messy tasks. The Maytag Repairman would have felt REALLY lonely in Salem Village.

Cloak... This sleeveless outer-garment was worn draped over the shoulders. Usually of a heavy wool, it could be made of the same materials as the suit. Cloaks might have no collar at all, a square "sailor’s" collar, or a hood. Length varied from waist to mid-calf for men, and from waist to ankle for women. It was unladylike to show any ankle!!!!