The colonial era was truly a trying time for the Thirteen Colonies and the people who lived in the new, unfamiliar world of America. Hardship after hardship made everyday life difficult in ways the colonists had never experienced, yet these hardy pioneers persevered — in fact, they went above and beyond, fighting against the new threats of their homeland and the threats imposed by British rule from across the Atlantic Ocean. Though men are remembered as the soldiers and the loudest voices of colonial America and its revolutionary era, women also played a significant role.

Because life in the colonies was filled with dangers and challenges, women were in charge of life within the home. Women and young girls tended to important matters like building a home, watching over young children, and preparing everything from meals to education plans to care of the home’s necessities. Although this may seem like simple work, it was difficult — and it was messy. Living in the somewhat wild and natural environment of colonial cities and neighborhoods meant encountering dirt, grime, and much more. So, to protect their clothing from damage, resourceful colonial women wore mob caps and shawls.

The colonial mob cap was worn by both adults and children. Women and young girls wore mob caps, sometimes also called mop caps, over their hair. It prevented others from seeing their un-styled hair when out in public and kept the hair from encountering dirt so washing wasn’t needed. Hats were often worn over mob caps, and mob caps could function as linen or cotton protectors. The shawl similarly protected a woman’s or girl’s attire when out of the house. Draped over the shoulders and made of linen, cotton, or lace, the shawl covered dresses from dirt and gave the wearer a bit of added style to look more polished.

An exclusive piece in our American Heritage collection of historical costume accessories, this colonial shawl and mob cap set with lace is authentic to America’s colonial era. Meant to be a complement to our many 18th and 19th century pieces, you can mix and match the colonial shawl and mob cap to any piece of your choosing. This add-on accessory set includes a white lace shawl and mob cap for a historical and fashionable look true to the era. Both the shawl and mob cap are one size, fitting adults of any size. Pair this colonial shawl and mob cap with lace set with our other 18th-century costume pieces and accessories to create a personalized look straight from the 1700s.

This versatile and high-quality accessory set containing a colonial shawl and mob cap can be used for a period ball, historical reenactment, masquerade, or simply experiencing a day in the life of colonial America and the Revolutionary War. Made with pride and care right in the United States, this colonial shawl and mob cap set is built to last. All of our colonial clothing is appropriate for both the American Revolution and the colonial, or revolutionary, era. Made with pride and care right in the United States, this classic colonial shawl and mob cap with lace set is built to last.