Difference between revisions of "Clothing"
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The clothing of Pre-Norman England was very simple, existing primarily for protection and warmth with little or no interest in fashion. All classes 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 died in basic colors, most commonly red, blue, or green, or left a natural soft grey. Upper class women might occupy their spare time by working embroidery, but such adornment is rare. | The clothing of Pre-Norman England was very simple, existing primarily for protection and warmth with little or no interest in fashion. All classes 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 died in basic colors, most commonly red, blue, or green, or left a natural soft grey. Upper class women might occupy their spare time by working embroidery, but such adornment is rare. | ||
| − | [[Image:Women900.jpg|thumb|200px|Woman from 900 AD]]Women wore two long gowns with tight-fitting sleeves as basic undergarments. 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 drapes 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:Women900.jpg|thumb|200px|Woman from 900 AD]] | ||
| + | Women wore two long gowns with tight-fitting sleeves as basic undergarments. 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 drapes 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. | ||
Revision as of 01:10, December 15, 2006
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
The clothing of Pre-Norman England was very simple, existing primarily for protection and warmth with little or no interest in fashion. All classes 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 died in basic colors, most commonly red, blue, or green, or left a natural soft grey. Upper class women might occupy their spare time by working embroidery, but such adornment is rare.
Women wore two long gowns with tight-fitting sleeves as basic undergarments. 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 drapes 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.