Getting dressed in the 14th century
CrowsEyeProductions・2 minutes read
Linen smocks were worn under kurtals or gowns for easy access, while sideless surcoats and aprons added protection and functionality. Hose or stockings were secured with fabric garters, hair was kept long and covered with a linen kerchief, and fashion changes in 1340 introduced more fitted garments with additional openings and fastenings like lacings or buttons.
Insights
- Linen smocks served as versatile undergarments, allowing discreet relief without removing outer garments, while aprons with decorative stitches offered both protection and functionality, showcasing the dual purpose of medieval clothing.
- The evolution of fashion around 1340 marked a shift towards fitted garments with curved seams, tight sleeves, and flared skirts, necessitating new openings and fastenings like lacings or buttons, highlighting the dynamic nature of clothing styles throughout history.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
Recent questions
What were common undergarments in medieval clothing?
Linen smocks were basic undergarments worn day and night, with no under drawers, allowing discreet relief without removing garments.
How were sideless surcoats utilized in medieval attire?
Sideless surcoats provided an extra layer of protection, hiding purses and tools attached to belts.
What were the functionalities of aprons in medieval dress?
Aprons with decorative stitches were worn for protection and functionality, offering a place to wipe hands, carry items, or wrap around hot pots.
How were hose or stockings secured in medieval fashion?
Hose or stockings were made from wool or linen, cut diagonally for stretch, and held in place with fabric garters below the knee.
What changes in fashion occurred around 1340 in medieval clothing?
Fashion changes around 1340 introduced fitted garments with curved seams, tight sleeves, and flared skirts, requiring additional openings and fastenings like lacings or buttons.
Related videos
Summary
00:00
Medieval Clothing: Layers, Functionality, and Fashion
- Linen smocks were the basic undergarments worn day and night, with no under drawers, allowing for discreet and quick relief without removing garments. Women layered kurtals or gowns over smocks, made economically from wool or linen, shaped with gathers, pleats, or tucks, and belted for carrying items like purses and tools.
- Sideless surcoats, sleeveless and with side openings, provided an extra layer of protection, hiding purses and tools attached to belts. Aprons with decorative stitches like honeycomb style were worn for protection and functionality, offering a place to wipe hands, carry items, or wrap around hot pots.
- Hose or stockings, made from wool or linen, were cut diagonally for stretch, held in place with fabric garters below the knee. Hair was kept long, plaited, and secured with linen tape and fillet, covered with a linen kerchief. Fashion changes around 1340 introduced fitted garments with curved seams, tight sleeves, and flared skirts, requiring additional openings and fastenings like lacings or buttons.
