What did Martha Washington actually wear?

Martha Washington wore high-quality silk, wool, and linen gowns in the 18th-century style, often accessorized with fine lace, a white neck kerchief (fichu), and a ruffled mob cap.

How do you style a Martha Washington wig?

Use a pre-styled white colonial wig with side curls, or pull a white wig back into a low bun, leaving soft curls framing the face under the mob cap.

Can I make this costume without sewing?

Yes, you can assemble the look using a long maxi skirt, a matching long-sleeve top, and adding a white lace scarf around the neck and a store-bought mob cap.

Martha Washington

Martha Washington Costume

Embody America's inaugural First Lady in elegant 18th-century colonial style.

Step into history as Martha Washington, the inaugural First Lady of the United States. Known in her time as "Lady Washington," her signature look is defined by elegant 18th-century colonial attire. This costume features a classic period gown, a white lace mob cap, and a matching neck kerchief.

Difficulty: Medium
Time: ~45 min
Budget: $45–120

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What you need for a Martha Washington costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Martha Washington costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.

Shop Martha Washington at Spirit ↗

Colonial dress or gown
A floor-length 18th-century style dress, typically in navy blue, floral print, or burgundy, featuring a fitted bodice, three-quarter sleeves with lace trim, and a full skirt.
DIY: Combine a long maxi skirt with a matching long-sleeve blouse, pinning lace trim to the cuffs.
Amazon
White mob cap
A traditional gathered white fabric bonnet with ruffled lace trim, worn over the hair.
DIY: Gather a circle of white fabric with elastic or a drawstring to create a ruffled bonnet.
Amazon
White fichu (neck kerchief)
A triangular white cotton or lace scarf worn over the shoulders and tucked into the neckline of the dress.
DIY: Fold a square white cotton handkerchief or piece of lace fabric diagonally and drape it over your shoulders.
Amazon
White colonial wig
A powdered-white or gray synthetic wig styled in 18th-century curls or pulled back into a low bun.
DIY: Style your own hair in a low bun, dust it lightly with white hair powder or temporary white spray, and curl the sides.
Amazon
Black low-heeled shoes
Simple black leather or faux-leather pumps or flats, ideally with a decorative gold or silver buckle.
DIY: Add a DIY cardboard and foil buckle to a pair of plain black flats.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Martha Washington costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on the colonial dress, ensuring the bodice is fitted and the skirt falls to the floor.
2
Drape the white triangular fichu (neck kerchief) over your shoulders, crossing it in the front and tucking the ends neatly into the dress neckline.
3
Secure the white colonial wig over a wig cap, ensuring your natural hair is completely covered.
4
Place the white ruffled mob cap on top of the wig, securing it with bobby pins if necessary.
5
Put on plain white stockings or tights.
6
Slip into the black low-heeled buckle shoes to complete the historical ensemble.

Makeup & hair

Keep makeup minimal and natural with a matte complexion, a touch of light pink blush on the cheeks, and a neutral lip. Hair should be completely styled under the white colonial wig and mob cap.

Martha Washington for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair with George Washington in a blue and buff continental army uniform or presidential suit.
group: Form a Founding Fathers and Mothers group with George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abigail Adams.
kids: A miniature colonial dress with a small white apron and mob cap.
Plus size: Look for colonial gowns with lace-up corset backs or elastic waistlines for an adjustable, comfortable fit.
pet: A small white lace bonnet and ruffled collar for a dog or cat.

Tips

Wear a petticoat or small hoop skirt underneath the dress to give the skirt its historically accurate volume.
Choose breathable cotton fabrics if you plan to wear this costume to outdoor historical reenactments or warm daytime events.
Carry a small woven basket or a hand fan as a simple, period-appropriate prop.

Martha Washington costume FAQ

What did Martha Washington actually wear?: Martha Washington wore high-quality silk, wool, and linen gowns in the 18th-century style, often accessorized with fine lace, a white neck kerchief (fichu), and a ruffled mob cap.
How do you style a Martha Washington wig?: Use a pre-styled white colonial wig with side curls, or pull a white wig back into a low bun, leaving soft curls framing the face under the mob cap.
Can I make this costume without sewing?: Yes, you can assemble the look using a long maxi skirt, a matching long-sleeve top, and adding a white lace scarf around the neck and a store-bought mob cap.

Did you know? Although she is famous as America's first First Lady, the term 'First Lady' wasn't actually coined until after her death; during her lifetime, she was addressed as 'Lady Washington.'