This pair of trousers, made of blue and white striped fabric, is typical of the clothing worn by a sailor in the early part of the 19th century. Ratings did not have an official uniform until 1857, however they did wear clothing that was instantly recognizable as sailor’s dress. In addition to trousers like these – or, at an earlier date, petticoat breeches – the wardrobe also included a checked or striped blouse, waistcoat, neckerchief, and a single-breasted blue coat. Much of this was ready made clothing known as ‘slops’ and could be purchased from the purser of the ship in which the sailor was serving.