Sailors slops...... updated 7/11 with fotos of conversions

[Silent Invader]

Am in the throes of converting some Eureka AWI gunners to sailors for the approximate period 1750/1765 and I have hit 'deadlock' with regard to slops.

By slops I mean the 'work wear' approx 2/3 leg length baggy bell-bottom trousers made from sail cloth.

Foundry's sailors pretty much seem to all be wearing slops.  But watching Northwest Passage recently, the opening scenes are set in a harbour and none of the crew are wearing slops.  I then read that slops were actually over-trousers, to protect the sailors breeches, I guess much like a land-based worker would have worn an apron.  

So, to slop or not to slop?  That is my question.

As it happens, I've also just finished reading Treasure Island, which is set in the same period.  The book's line drawings feature sailors in slops and sailors in breeches, though slops only ever seem to be worn by those that aren't officer types.

Thoughts etc would be much appreciated.  


EDIT = title change

[Galloping Major]

Yes mate, go for slops, a lot of sailors wore them, big wide "unconfined" breeches below the knee. There was no uniform for ratings at the time, but off-white canvas sailcloth creates a degree of uniformity.

Much as I love Northwest Passage, I wouldn't take any references from it for anyone's appearance.



www.gallopingmajorwargames.com

[Aaron]

I agree completely with GM.

[Malamute]

Am in the throes of converting some Eureka AWI gunners to sailors

Eye candy in the making...

[Malamute]

I am really looking forward to seeing how they out. I have every confidence they will be up to the usual Silent Invader high standards

[Blackwolf]

Sounds good SI,I like your slant on things (and the fact you do 18th century) .

[Patrice]

I think it was slops, and that most of the time they did not wear breeches under it - too cumbersome to work at sea. And in the 17th and 18th century there was no underpants (but the very long shirt to pack everything under).

I don't know about other countries but sailors from Brittany certainly did wore slops, as the traditional peasant costume since the 17th to the early 20th century was not very different, it was VERY large linen breeches (not woolen), the difference is that they are tied below the knee but otherwise they are cut almost like slops :

[Malamute]

lookin' good already

[Aaron]

I agree, they are looking the part already. I may have to pick up some of these fellows myself. I can see them leading one of the strings of pack horses that accompanied Bouquet or helping to man a blockhouse.

[General Roos]

Looks great!

[Malamute]

You are becoming a master of Greenstuff

[Furt]

Great effort - I think they all look really good and you've kept them very versatile.

Can't wait to see them painted.