Mr. Nussbaum - 13 Colonies Milliner

This page describes the role of the milliner in colonial America.

Making a Ball Gown at the Colonial Williamsburg Millinery Shop

The Only Businesses Typically Run by Women

A milliner’s business was much like a modern-day clothing store. Here, men and women could shop for the day’s fashionable clothes and accessories. Interestingly enough, a millinery was just about the only business in colonial times that could be owned and managed by a woman. A milliner sold a variety of things such as fabric, hats, ribbons, hair pieces, dolls, jewelry, lottery tickets, games, and medicines. Most of the items for sale were imported from England. In addition, milliners hired people called mantua makers, who would craft customized outfits, costumes, dresses, and jackets for women, and tailors who would perform similar duties for men.