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Resources to describe medieval clothing from different cultures?

Asked by: Melissa Garwood

How would you describe a medieval dress?

Women wore long tunics or gowns in this medieval period. A close fit to the body, full skirts, and long flaring sleeves that were characteristic of upper class fashion for both men and women. The under-tunic of the women was called a chemise, which was made of linen, and over it, a long ankle-reaching tunic was worn.

What kind of clothes did they wear in medieval times?

Men wore stockings (hose) and tunics. Noblemen wore tunics or jackets with hose, leggings and breeches. The wealthy also wore furs and jewellery. Women wore long gowns with sleeveless tunics and wimples to cover their hair.

What were medieval clothes made from?

When it comes to medieval clothing, Europeans got by on five major components: leather, linen, wool, silk, and fur. Leather was used for belts and shoes, armour and heavy aprons.

What did medieval royalty wear?

The king would usually wear a well-embellished tunic with gold-work thread as a basic dress. On top of it, a surcoat was often worn which depicted the emblem of the King and his family. Robes and coats were also part of the King’s costume at certain occasions.

How would you describe a medieval tunic?

The tunic ended between the hip and the knee and had either long or short sleeves. Clasps were not needed to hold the tunic together because when pulled over the head it would sit snugly around the neck without the use of lacing or ties, indicating that the garment was one continuous piece.

How was medieval clothing made?

Wool was selected and sorted, and carded or combed before being spun into yarn. Yarn was then woven into cloth on a loom. The wool or cloth was often dyed using expensive imported dyestuffs. The cloth was fulled, to cleanse and thicken the fabric, by pounding underfoot or by hammers powered by a water mill.

What colors were used in medieval clothing?

The taste for colours was the brighter the better, with crimson, blue, yellow, green & purple being popular choices in all types of clothes. Clothing was usually made from wool, although silk and brocade items might be saved for special occasions.

Why was fashion so important in the Middle Ages?

In the Middle Ages, clothing was integral to identifying one’s place in the world. Medieval people were highly skilled at reading the meaning of fashion, which is reflected throughout the painted pages of illuminated manuscripts.

What were medieval pants called?

Medieval Europe

Trousers in this period, generally called brais, varied in length and were often closed at the cuff or even had attached foot coverings, although open-legged pants were also seen.

What did medieval peasants wear?

Peasants generally had only one set of clothing and it almost never was washed. Men wore tunics and long stockings. Women wore long dresses and stockings made of wool. Some peasants wore underwear made of linen, which was washed “regularly.”



What did medieval merchants wear?

Merchants wore a coat that would end above their knees. The coats would be of a bright color and could have a trim of fox fur. A belt with a purse attached was worn. To keep warm the merchant class wore stockings or tights.

What are kings clothes called?

A royal mantle, or more simply a mantle, is a garment normally worn by emperors, kings or queens as a symbol of authority.

What is a medieval shirt called?

Men’s Clothing

Underclothes consisted of an inner tunic (French chainse) or shirt with long, tight sleeves, and drawers or braies, usually of linen. Tailored cloth leggings, called chausses or hose, made as separate garments for each leg were often worn with the tunic.

What kind of clothing is a mantle?

mantle, cloak fashioned from a rectangular piece of cloth, usually sleeveless, of varying width and length, wrapped loosely around the body. Usually worn as an outer garment in the ancient Mediterranean world, it developed in different styles, colours, and materials.



What is tunic clothing?

tunic, Latin Tunica, basic garment worn by men and women in the ancient Mediterranean world. It was fashioned from two pieces of linen sewn up the sides and across the top, with holes left for the head and arms.

What is a wraparound dress?

A wrap dress is a dress with a front closure formed by wrapping one side across the other, and knotting the attached ties that wrap around the back at the waist or fastening buttons. This forms a V-shaped neckline and hugs the wearer’s curves.

What is the difference between a tunic and a toga?

The toga was considered Rome’s “national costume,” but for day-to-day activities most Romans preferred more casual, practical and comfortable clothing; the tunic, in various forms, was the basic garment for all classes, both sexes and most occupations.

What is the slip dress?

A slip dress is a woman’s dress that closely resembles an underslip or petticoat. It is traditionally cut on the bias, with spaghetti straps. The slip dress looked like an undergarment, but was intended to be seen, and through the use of lace and sheer elements, offer glimpses of the body beneath.

Do you wear a bra with a slip?

If your slip can accommodate a strapless bra, then definitely go with one. My favourites from Simone Pérèle. … I say definitely go with one, because adhesive nipple covers can get really hot — like temperature-wise.



What is a midi dress?

The term “midi” applies to any length from two inches below the knees to just above the ankles. The easiest lengths for most women are just above the swell of the calf (a couple of inches below the knees) or just below the calves (so that a few inches of ankle show).

What is swing dress?

A modern swing dress is a flowy dress that still has an A-line shape. Instead of the top part of the “A” shape hugging your waist, it often will hug your chest and then the fabric will bell out from there. This gives the dress lots of movement potential…. the dress will “swing” when you walk or dance!

What is a princess cut dress?

“Princess line” or “princess dress” describes a woman’s fitted dress or other garment cut in long panels without a horizontal join or separation at the waist. Instead of relying on darts to shape the garment, the fit is achieved with long seams (“princess seams”) and shaped pattern pieces.

What is a trapeze dress?

TRAPEZE. A TRAPEZE dress is a dress style that is narrow at the shoulders and very wide at the hem of the dress. It’s like an A-LINE dress, but the TRAPEZE dress has a much wider hem than the A-LINE, and they often end below the knee.



Can a pear shape wear a swing dress?

Swing Dresses

They’re easily dressed up or down and are available in so many patterns and styles. It’s a good idea to grab a solid black or navy one if you can, I promise it will be a workhorse in your wardrobe! This style dress is perfect for the pear shape, no matter your size.

How should a plus size apple shape dress?

Asymmetrical–Asymmetrical dresses look so good on apple-shaped bodies. They guide the eye from the high point of the dress’s hemline all the way down to the bottom, which elongates your figure. Try a maxi dress with a high slit for a look you’ll want to wear more than once a week!

Am I an hourglass or a pear?

A pear shape may be more defined if you are heavy, as weight is likely to collect in the hips and thighs. Many pear-shaped figures have a relatively slender waist; however, it is less noticeable than an hourglass figure’s waist because of the smaller bust.