The medieval age in the history of English was mainly dominated by the class structure. People who lived in the medieval age were not allowed to wear what they liked. When it’s about the style of clothing, being wealthiest does not matter. The fabric, color, and their clothes were decided by the ranks, status, and position of the individuals. Many strict rules were imposed by the English law that was called the Sumptuary Laws.
The rules were made to limit the expenses of the people on clothes and to maintain a social structure. It was illegal to wear disastrous clothing and inappropriate costumes. If any violation in clothing is observed, harsh fines are applied and that may also lead to the loss of title, property and may be life.
Many clothing fashions were established during the hunting trips. Often a noble would arrive garbed in a new outfit which the wealthy and underclass surrounding the hunt would emulate, thus spreading the style.
Renaissance and medieval costumes are popular not only during Halloween but all year round. They are worn for Renaissance Fairs, festivals, plays and for Medieval and Renaissance theme weddings. Lovely maidens and valiant knights gather and make merry while wearing their Adult Renaissance costumes and medieval costumes.
Women’s Costume
Contents
Women’s costume included many layers which are
– A shift or smock that is a simple cotton dress which is worn to protect the outer dress from body odors and sweat
– Stocking made of silk, wool or cloth
– A corset
– A hoop skirt in shape of a cone that is called as a Spanish Farthingale or verdingal
– A bumroll or say a padded piece that is worn to emphasize the hips and make the skirt stand outside more
– A petticoat or the underskirt
-A shirt
– A gown and sleeves and
-A shoes
Men’s Costume
Men usually wore open swashbuckling shirts and breeches or pants. That is embellished with vest, hat or other accessories. Upper-class man’s costume would add up with jerkin or fitted vest with wings over the shoulder.
Weapons like dagger, knives, and swords are also an addition to the men’s costume.
Women’s Renaissance Costumes In Accordance with Class
Upper-Class: The materials worn by the upper-class women were luxurious and covered many varieties of color. They usually wore the material that was rare like silk, fur, lace, velvet, and many others. Upper-class women usually wore bright and richer colors like red and purple as their dyes are very expensive. They wore ruffs and high collars which conveyed their high status. The clothing of upper-class women consists of many layers as they could afford it easily
Middle-Class: They also wore layers like that of the upper class but not as many layers as them. The dresses of women would have nice trimming and embroidering. The material would be of Satin, brocade, and damask fabrics.
Lower-Class: The tunics worn by the poor class of the society had basic structure and quality. The poor class women wore dresses that were made of only a single garment. There were not crafting works or other designs used in the dresses. They also wore aprons while working. The peasants used to wear very simple clothes in the medieval ages. There was the specificity of the dresses among the people.
Men’s Renaissance Costumes In Accordance with Class
Upper-Class: They usually wore loose fitting shirts that were gathered at the cuff. The shirts were made up of silk or fine linen and that had embroidery and fancy buttons down in the front. Puffy pants or breeches accompany the shirt which gets extended up to the knees. Large ruffs at the neck and wrists are also worn by the men. Men usually wear hats when they were indoors. Along with material like silk, taffeta, and wool to make clothes, they also wear brooches and feathers. To get the wasp-waisted looks, they also wear girdles. Some men also wore jewels.
Middle-Class: They wore doublets with sleeves. Their clothes were much fancy than that of lower class people. The doublets of middle-class man had embroidery, padding or boning. as they were able to afford, their clothes were tailored to fit.
Lower-Class: The lower classmen would wear a shirt and a doublet in public but their clothes are not as decorative as those of the middle class. The working class would only wear a shirt.
Medieval Clothing
During the medieval age, people of all ranks mostly the same type of stuff that looked simple and inspired by the costume of Romans. It was like at shaped tunic with sleeves, loose rectangular cloak, and leggings. Hooded capes were worn especially for winter. Cape Robes were also accessories by noble people who could afford it.
Certainly, as the time brought more changes, the difference between the attire of the two classes became more prominent and later, was named as ‘wench costume’ for all low-class working women. These may include the following types of costumes of women: Princess costumes, Pirates costume, tavern wrench costume, sailor costume, warrior costume, gypsy, Victorian and many others.
Some crusaders brought back new materials and different styles. A tunic stayed the same, but hose took the main place and was made prettier with jewels, embroidery, and fur trimming. In the high gothic period, stockings became so long trousers were almost eliminated.
During the period of 1300 – 1400 Women’s coats and surcoats often trailed on the ground. Hats consisted of a frame of wirework covered over with stuff which was embroidered or trimmed with lace. During the period of 1400 – 1500 the women wore long trains to their dresses which were eventually shortened. Sleeves became long, hanging and embroidered or fringed.
Renaissance Styled Costumes
Usually, when you think of medieval costumes, the word ‘sexy’ doesn’t come to mind. However, renaissance costumes and medieval clothing certainly have the potential to be sexy. For example, lacy bodices, tight corsets, and low-cut gowns were all worn throughout the medieval and renaissance periods.
Renaissance clothes are fairly similar to medieval costumes. Renaissance dresses and renaissance gowns tend to highlight the soft, sensual curves of a woman and are designed to make her look almost ethereal.
For men, renaissance costumes are more flowery than their medieval counterparts. The nobility, in particular, wore colorful, puffy renaissance clothing. Often, these clothes were made with materials that were rich and heavy.
More Info On- England Fashion During the Elizabethan Age, Clothing Laws for Men, Clothing Styles of Different Classes, Customs
