Clothing specifically for hunters has evolved markedly over the centuries. For North America’s whitetail hunters, that evolution can be tied in part to our understanding of the biology of the whitetail and how its senses of smell, hearing and vision help it survive, as well as evolving technologies that have made everything we use smaller, lighter and more efficient. At the same time, clothing development is experiencing something of a “Back to the Future” renaissance, with a resurgence in the importance of natural fibers.
WAY BACK WHEN
As far back as the late 1700s, hunting was a popular pastime in America, and hunting clothing was a variation of typical wool and cotton civilian clothing of the period, with an additional layer of hunting-specific items. The outer layer included a hunting frock and a sash or belt to close it. Beneath this layer were the normal breeches, shirt and waistcoat. Full-length gaiters were worn to protect the legs, and shoes or moccasins protected the feet.
Fast forward to 1830, when Woolrich began making pants, shirts and jackets
