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Line 1: − == Clothing During the Middle Ages ==+ − The Clothing of the [[Medieval]] period is a fascinating development from simple garments which were universal to all classes into complex, and often restrictive fashions, which varied for each class. We will begin around 900 AD and continue to 1600, focusing on the clothing of the [[British Isles]].+ − + − == Anglo-Saxon England - 900 AD ==+ − ---- − − [[Image:Women900.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Woman from 900 AD]] − The clothing of Pre-Norman [[England]] was very simple, existing primarily for protection and warmth with little or no interest in [[fashion]]. All [[class]]es wore garments of similar type. Distinctions of rank were shown in the quality of the fabric and in the person's [[jewelry]]. [[Wool]] was the most common [[fabric]]. It was dyed in basic, natural colors. Upper class women might occupy their spare time by working [[embroidery]], but such adornment was rare. − − Women wore two long [[gown]]s with tight-fitting [[sleeves]] as basic [[undergarment]]s. Over these, was worn a super-[[tunic]], a loose gown with moderately flared sleeves which reached a few inches past the elbow and were turned back into a cuff. The super-tunic was hitched up at the sides to around knee length to keep it free of dirt. Women always covered their heads unless they were slaves or a very young girl. The head-dresses were nothing more than a simple draped cloth or a hood which was attached to the cloak. The cloak was a large semi circle of fabric which was draped around the shoulders and tied or pinned with a brooch. − − [[Image:Men900.jpg|thumb|150px|A man from 900 AD]] − Men wore a tight fiting [[shirt]] as an undergament. Over the shirt, they wore a tunic, which was like a woman's super-tunic, but shorter. On their legs, they wore loose [[trousers]] called braccos, which were bound tight to the leg with thongs of leather. Men's [[cloak]]s could be in a variety of shapes including square, oblong, and semicircular. − − [[Shoe]]s for men and women were fairly simple. They were really no more than [[slipper]]s, with soft soles that offered minimal protection or support. Many of the poor simply went barefoot. Shoes were little more than ornaments for the rich. [[Boot]]s were also available, but again they were flimsy by modern standards. − − == Anglo-Norman England - 1000 AD == − ---- − [[Image:Women1000.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Women's clothing from 1000 to 1100 AD. Note the tight fitting sleeves. Also, the super tunic is no longer hitched up, but hangs long.]] − The [[Norman Conquest]] brought many changes in the clothing of the English people. Embroidered and appliqued borders became popular for men and women as did the wearing of [[belt]]s. Square necklines gained popularity and became as common as the old round style. The [[Normans]] also transmitted their attention to cleanliness and personal appearance to the English. Soon most English [[comb]]ed their hair and bathed quite frequently and owned several sets of clothing. The Normans also started a trend of fine fabrics and clothes decorated to an absurd degree. − − Women's clothes went through two notable changes during this period. First, the sleeves of the super-tunic were no longer flared, but fit tight to the wrist. Second, the super tunic was no longer hitched up but hung long. Women continued to keep their heads covered. − − [[Image:Men1000.jpg|thumb|150px|Man from 1000 to 1100 AD.]]For men, the tunic was still popular, and often ornamented with trim or expensive [[fur]]s. Towards the end of the century, a garment much like modern [[shorts]] became popular for a short time (see illustration). Long tunics began to be used on formal occasions. The braccos began to be cut tighter, changing into more of [[leggings]], but the old style bound to the leg remained popular as well. − − Shoes were still flimsy by modern standards, and like the rest of English costume became increasingly ornamented. − − == England - 1100 AD == − ---- − −
clean up & uniformity
'''Clothing''', in the broadest sense, refers to materials that cover the body which provide [[warmth]], [[shelter]], [[hygiene]], and/or [[modesty]]. Clothing can be made of any number of materials, including plant fibers (such as [[cotton]]), animal hides or fibers (such as [[wool]] or [[fur]]), and artificial textiles (such as [[polyester]] or [[spandex]]). The vast variety of clothing speaks to the diversity of human [[culture]]s and [[behavior]], with different modes of clothing being reserved for [[work]], certain socioeconomic [[class]]es, and [[children]].
==See also==
[[History of Clothing]]
[[Category:Fashion]]
[[Category:Clothing]]