In the bustling markets and narrow streets of 18th and 19th-century Britain, a quiet revolution in clothing was taking place, one not of fashion, but of function. Known as slop clothing, this early form of ready-made apparel clothed sailors, soldiers, and the swelling ranks of industrial workers. Though rarely celebrated, slop clothing played a critical role in the rise of mass-produced garments and the democratisation of dress. But what exactly were “slops,” and how did the name come about?
What Was Slop Clothing?
Slop clothing referred to as cheap, mass-produced garments that were manufactured in standardised sizes rather than tailored to the individual. These clothes were typically sold by specialist dealers known as slop sellers or slop men, and they were especially common in port cities, military supply depots, and urban working-class districts.
The garments themselves were simple, practical, and made from inexpensive materials. Common items included loose-fitting trousers, coarse shirts, waistcoats, and jackets—ideal for the physically demanding jobs of the sea or the factory floor. While they lacked the polish and fit of bespoke clothing, slops were affordable, accessible, and easy to replace.
Where Did the Term “Slop” Come From?
The word slop has its roots in the Middle English term “sloppe,” which referred to a loose outer garment or over-trousers. This term may have been influenced by the Old English sloppe, meaning “a garment,” or possibly sloppe meaning “mud” or “slush,” hinting at the clothes’ utilitarian, rough-and-ready nature.
In naval usage as early as the 16th century, slops were the standard-issue clothing given to sailors. These were not uniforms in the modern sense but rather general-purpose outfits suitable for life at sea. The term stuck, and over time, slop became a catch-all phrase for any mass-produced, lower-cost clothing, especially as such items became widespread during the Industrial Revolution.
A Growing Industry
As Britain’s population urbanised and industrialised, demand for affordable clothing soared. Slop shops multiplied in cities like London, Liverpool, and Manchester, supplying workers with the basic garments needed for factory life. Though often dismissed as shoddy or inferior, slop clothing was a lifeline for those who could not afford the luxury of custom-made attire.
Some slop clothing was even produced by prison labour or in poorhouses, further driving down costs. The garments were often seen as a symbol of poverty or low status, and the term slop carried a hint of contempt—suggesting something second-rate or disposable.
From Slops to the High Street
Slop clothing was, in many ways, a forerunner of modern ready-to-wear fashion. It marked a shift away from the tailor’s measuring tape and towards mass production, uniformity, and cost-efficiency. While the word itself has faded from everyday use, the concept it represents—clothing made quickly, cheaply, and in bulk—continues in today’s fast fashion. (although leaning towards being more controversial)
Conclusion
The story of slop clothing is not one of glamour or prestige, but it’s an essential chapter in the history of dress. It reflects a moment when the needs of war, work, and an expanding labour force reshaped how people were clothed. Born from naval necessity and economic practicality, the “slops” of yesterday laid the groundwork for the wardrobes of the modern working class—and for the global clothing industry we know today.
Etymology of “Slop” – Etymonline
Etymonline traces the linguistic roots of the word “slop,” connecting it to Old English terms related to slipping on garments, which underscores the loose-fitting nature of slop clothing.
Museums of History NSW – ‘Slop’ Clothing
This resource discusses the use of slop clothing in convict-era Australia, highlighting how these loose-fitting, one-size-fits-all garments were issued to convicts, reflecting the practical and economical aspects of slop attire.
The Diary of Samuel Pepys – Slops
An entry from Samuel Pepys’ diary provides historical context, noting that “slops” referred to articles of clothing and bedding issued or sold to sailors, as well as a specific style of short, full trousers worn in the 16th century.
“What We Actually Know About Petticoat Trousers (alias Slops)” – Blog Post
This blog post offers insights into the terminology and usage of slops, explaining that in the 18th and 19th centuries, “slops” encompassed various types of ready-made garments sold to sailors and working men.
ranawayfromthesubscriber.blogspot.com
Further reading:
I can’t find any specific references to slop clothing in Manchester.
Rachel Bakewell 