Medieval
clothing is an immensely broad term, covering the basic tunics
of the 10th century, the cottes and bliants of the 12th
and 13th centuries, the fitted kirtles, gowns and
cotes of the 14th and 15th centuries to the massive surcotes,
houppelands and Burgundian gowns of the later 15th century.
What I will be primarily
dealing with in this website is the 14th century woman's
garments- what they looked like and how they were put together.
There is a little general information either side as the lower
classes clothing did not differ greatly during a few hundred
years. There is a little information about the clothing of other
times.
The 14th century outfit
comprised of many layers. The chemise or smock of fine
linen was worn next to the skin along with any undergarments.
The kirtle or gown, a fitted dress, was worn over that.
A surcote of some kind was usually worn by women who
could afford to do so, or as a fashion statement or by other
women if it was cooler.
This garment could
have sleeves and be almost identical to the dress which was
under it, or be sideless to show off the garment underneath.
For traveling, another more voluminous surcote might be added
as well as a cloak.
As fabric was handmade
and very expensive, clothing was seen as a status symbol-
the richer the wearer, the better quality and more costly the
fabric and the more voluminous the garments. Wealthier persons
wore more layers, often lined with expensive furs in winter,
while those with a more moderate income wore less layers which
were often unlined.
Sumptuary Laws concerned
themselves with expensive dress and attempted to limit the fabrics
and furs which were permitted to each class of person. The laws
of 1363 condemned 'outrageous and excessive apparel of diverse
people, contrary to their estate and degree' and were exceedingly
specific as to what fabrics and furs were permitted to
whom.
These pages look at information
about medieval women's clothing.
