Medieval Garments


Figure 1.--Here we have a mosaic of the Chapel of Royal Palace of Palermo (Sicily), that dates to the mid-12th century. The mosaic is an illustration of the Gospel of Matthew (21:8) "A very great multitude spread their clothes". The mosaic provides some useful information about comtemporary clohing. People wore long robes. Children alsdo wore these robes. This detail from the mosaic provides valuable details about children's clothing. The mosaic suggests the robes worn by children could be cut shorter. The mosaic also suggests that some people wore a short-sleeved tunic under their robe and other prople wore mnothing under it. Children were also more likely to be barefoot. We are not sure why the boys have such short hair. Click on the image for a more detsailed assessment of the Biblical scene depicted here.

We have not yet developed information on many specific garments. The standard item of dress in medieval Europe was a long robe. These robes and the dresses worn by women were in many ways similar. Children wore the same robes, often cut somewhat shorter than the robes adults wore. Some authors refer to these robes as a tunic, but this seems a less accurate deesription than robe. In part because tunic seems a better description as to what was worn under the robe. We note the better off wearing a short-sleeved tunic undeneath their robes. In the late-medieval period we see younger men dispensing with the long robes and wearing the tunic as a main garment with long stockings that seem rather like modern tights. This fashion occurred during the Renaissance at the end of the medieval era. Thus one destinctive medieval garment was stockings. They were called "haut de chausse" in France, a country which was very influential in fashion during the medieval era. We also note the term "hosen" which in German evolved into the word for pants or trousers. We have a page on medieval stocking supporters. Medieval women also wore wore long, ankle-length robes which gradually evolved into the dress. Unlike men, women never developoed shortened forms or adopted short tunics. Both genders might have white under-tunic, similar in function to our modern underwear. This depended on the affluence of the individuals. These under garments were washed more thamn the robes and dresses.

Headwear


Robes

The standard item of dress in medieval Europe was a long robe. These robes and the dresses worn by women were in many ways similar. Children wore the same robes, often cut somewhat shorter than the robes adults wore. Colors were plain. In art work we at first see shades of gray, brown, green, dark blue, and dull reds. By the mid-medieval era we begin to see more colorful robes. The well-to-do by the mid-medieval era were wearing robes that gave greater attentiion to sleeves.

Surcoats

Knights wore sleeveless "surcoats" adiorned with a coat of arms.

Holy Orders

Village priests, monks, and friars wore robes as well. Hradually they evolved into cloaks with hoods and habits. Often they had rope belts with wooden beads for counting prayers. The cassocks worn by modern monks are a surviving example of the robes worn in the medieval era.

Tunics

Some authors refer to these robes as a tunic or over tunic, but this seems a less accurate deesription than robe. In part because tunic seems a better description as to what was worn under the robe. Only late in the mediueval era did the tunic emerge as an outer garment. Gradually in the late-medieval period we see younger men dispensing with the long robes and wearing the tunic as a main upper garment. This was increasingly coimmon by the later-13th century, the once loose and flowing tunics became tighter fitting.

Dresses

Medieval women also wore wore long, ankle-length robes which gradually evolved into the dress. Unlike men, women never developoed shortened forms or adopted short tunics.

Under Tunics

We note the better off wearing a short-sleeved tunic undeneath their robes. Both genders might have white under-tunic, similar in function to our modern underwear. This depended on the affluence of the individuals. These under garments were washed more thamn the robes and dresses.

Stockings

Long stockings were an important medieval garment. We think they were most prevalent in the late-medieval period. Medieval long stockings that seem rather like modern tights. This fashion occurred during the Renaissance at the end of the medieval era. Thus one destinctive medieval garment were these long stockings. They were called "haut de chausse" in France, a country which was very influential in fashion during the medieval era. We also note the term "hosen" which in German evolved into the word for pants or trousers.

Stocking Supporters

Most early images make it impossible to determine if medieval men are wearing long stockings or tights. Only a few period illustrations offers some clues. Here we have a 13th century painting showing two of the three kings (magis), Caspar and Melchior. The image is especially interesting because it shows the way stockings were sometimes supported as early as the 13th century. This French painting (13th century) depicts Kings Caspar and Melchior, two of the three kings who visited the Christ Child in Bethlehem to present their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They wear long, thigh-length hosiery supported by straps suspended apparently from the waist--an obvious precursor of the hose supporter. Most early images make it impossible to determine if medieval men are wearing long stockings or tights.

Footwear

Many people went barefot in the medievasl era, especially the early medieval period. Children except the children of the aristocracy went barefoot. Early medievasl shoes were leather pieces wrapped around the foot.







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Created: 9:17 PM 6/28/2009
Last updated: 9:18 PM 6/28/2009