CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES


ABOUT CLOTHES

CLOTHES FROM HISTORICAL ART

SUMPTUARY LAWS

GLOSSARY OF CLOTHING NAMES

CLOTHING CARE



ITEMS OF CLOTHING

THE COTEHARDIE

THE SURCOTE

CLOAKS

TIPPETS

UNDERWEAR

HEADWEAR

BELTS & GIRDLES

PURSES & BAGS

SHOES

Medieval Clothes & Accessories

"Medieval clothing" is an immensely broad term, covering the basic tunics of the 10th century, the cottes of the 12th and 13th centuries, the fitted kyrtles and cotehardies of the 14th and 15th centuries to the massive 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. The outfit comprised of many layers- the chemise or smock or fine linen was worn next to the skin along with any undergarments. The gown, kyrtle, cotte or cotehardie, a fitted dress, was worn over that. A surcote of some kind was usually worn by women who could afford to do so or if it was cold. This garment could have sleeves or be sideless. 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 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.

The pages which look at aspects of women's clothing are as follows:

ABOUT CLOTHES
- CLOTHES FROM ART - Interpreting artworks to make medieval clothes
- SUMPTUARY LAWS - clothing regulations for the classes
- GLOSSARY - glossary of clothing and personal adornment terms
- CLOTHING CARE - Care, storage and laundering techniques

ITEMS OF CLOTHING
- THE COTEHARDIE - a look at the 14th century medieval dress
- THE SURCOTE - the outer layer
- CLOAKS - the outermost layer of all
- TIPPETS & LAPPETS - the arm accessories of the late 14th century
- UNDERWEAR - a lady's underclothes reveal'd
----- THE CHEMISE - the chemise, shift or smock
----- BREAST COVERINGS - support and structure
----- UNDERPANTS - what did they wear 'down there'
----- HOSE & GARTERS - leg coverings and support
- HEADWEAR-
----- HEADWARE - templars, cylinder cauls and more
----- HATS - women's outdoors hats
----- VEILS - the well-bred lady's coverchief
----- WIMPLES - what it is and why
----- HOODS - the buttoned-up hood
- BELTS & GIRDLES - belts and belt fittings
- PURSES & BAGS - purses, pouches, aumonieres and bags
- SHOES - 14th century footwear

Copyright © Rosalie Gilbert
All text & photographs within this site are the property of Rosalie Gilbert unless stated.
Artifact images remain the property of the owner.
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