The Charm of Medieval Clothing

On a broader canvas, the medieval period could be said to range from the 4th century right up to the 13th century. Medieval clothing during these centuries ranged across nations.

Anglo-Saxons having their unique style, the Romans their style, the Byzantine dress style evolving from simple tunics to richly embellished medieval costumes. Typical of this period was that clothing was designated according to rank and standing in the social hierarchy. The nobility, the knights and the royal aristocracy had their line of costumes and ladies had their unique dresses with an emphasis on the sleeves. The commoners, tradesmen and others in descending ranks had to wear the defined styles of clothing.  With the passage of time, loose and flowing styles of costumes gave way to tighter, body hugging medieval dresses.
In Europe, wars and invasions took place between the 4th to the 11th century and dress codes changed according to people’s tastes. Some preferred the Roman versions while others favoured the dress styles of the Visigoths and the Anglo-Saxons—invaders of those times. While the Roman style favoured longer costumes falling to below the knees and up to the ankles, the invaders’ dress style was for shorter tunics, belts and tight hose or leggings. Wool, Leather, Fur, Hemp, Linen, Silk and Cotton were widely used. Damask, taffeta and velvet gained in popularity during the latter part of the medieval ages for use in medieval costumes.
Viking apparel was distinctive in style and originated in the Scandinavian and Germanic regions of Europe. The peasant dresses were mostly simple tunics worn more for functionality than for appearance. On the other hand, high medieval fashion clothes worn by nobility were highly ornate, decorated and embellished. Today, when people talk of medieval clothing it is not chain mail and armor, but the clothing that evolved during the latter part that they commonly refer to.
Headwear was very much in use then as it is these days, with more variety. There were close-fitting coifs, wide brimmed straw hats, hoods, capes and jackets with hoods and hoods with a short cape just falling to the shoulders.
In Medieval Europe, sumptuary laws were enacted to dictate the types and colours of clothes people belonging to various classes could wear. This was done to help aristocracy retain their unique looks and distinguished styles. Though laws were enacted, enforcement was not simple or possible, giving people the freedom to wear different styles and colours of their choice.
The pirate shirts, made popular by the film series, Pirates of the Carribean, traces its roots to the shirts popular in the medieval ages. A typical shirt has pleats, ruffles and rather loose sleeves. This is somewhat removed from the practical tight fitting and motley dresses worn by pirates in those days that were in all shapes and sizes and styles. Today, these shirts constitute a fashion statement and give the wearer a unique style.

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