Leisure and Sports Clothing

Photograph of the Championship War Canoe Race at the Brockville Regatta, Ontario

Photograph of the Championship War Canoe Race at the Brockville Regatta, Ontario 04 Aug. 1900, Photo © CMH

Many men of the Confederation Generation enjoyed an active lifestyle. Despite the formality of Victorian dress, an increasing interest in Canadian sports and leisure activities such as hockey, horseback riding, biking, walking and swimming led to the creation of informal sporting styles. Breeches or knickers — shorter trousers usually worn with long stockings — for instance, were a popular garment for horseback riding or biking.

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