Sailor’s slops of unknown provenance made of blue and white canvas material cut short and styled quite wide. Visible stitching in places, perhaps especially around the waistband. Early 19th century
This pair of trousers is typical of the clothing worn by a sailor in the early part of the 19th century. Ratings did not have an official uniform until 1857; however, they did wear clothing that was instantly recognizable as sailors’ dress. In addition to trousers like these, or at an earlier date, petticoat breeches, ratings’ ensembles also included a check or striped blouse, waistcoat, neckerchief, and a single-breasted blue coat. Much of this was ready-made clothing known as ‘slops’ and could be purchased from the purser of the ship on which the sailor was serving.
The ‘slop’ system is first mentioned in 1623, though it was optional for sailors to buy articles from the purser. The articles sold seem to have been confined to canvas jackets, waistcoats and underclothing. The variety of slops was extended under Charles II, who took a personal interest in the outfitting of his sailors. By the beginning of the eighteenth century, the quality and price of clothing had improved. Items mentioned in a contract made by the Commissioners of the Admiralty with a Mr Richard Harnage in 1706 include ‘Strip’d Breeches’ .
