Medieval Clothing History Period
During the Medieval period, every aspect of a woman's life was dictated by her social standing within the Feudal System. This included her choices for clothing. Medieval women's clothing made from sumptuous fabrics was reserved for members of the nobility and the wealthy merchant classes. Women in the peasant classes were limited to coarse fabrics and simpler styles. There were even Sumptuary Laws that defined how much money ordinary people could spend on clothing and what type of clothing they were allowed to wear.
The Medieval period lasted for over 500 years, from 1000 until the Elizabethan era began in 1550. In the beginning of the period, women wore several layered garments. The first was a long linen under dress called a chemise. A long, close-fitting gown known as a kirtle was worn over the chemise. The kirtle had long sleeves and was often belted. Another kirtle with full sleeves or no sleeves might also be worn. This style of clothing was worn by rich and poor alike, with wealthier women wearing richer fabrics and fur-lined garments.
Medieval Clothing History Changes
Beginning in the 14th century, medieval women's clothing began to undergo many changes. Like today's fashions, new styles began to appear every few decades. For well-to-do women, more luxurious fabrics became available including silk, velvet, brocade and fine Egyptian cotton. Printed, embroidered and jewel-encrusted fabrics were introduced to the wardrobes of the wealthy.
The overall silhouette of medieval women's clothing changed in the 15th century when it became popular to wear a high-waisted long-sleeved gown over a kirtle. This gown was tight in the bodice and full over the belly. An overdress with long trailing sleeves might be worn with this high-waisted gown. Women in different regions adopted different types of head dresses, from simple veils to more elaborate hats.
Medieval Clothing History
Throughout the 15th century the high-waisted gown evolved to a gown with a tight corset top that ended at the waistline. Further evolution led to a corset top with a point in front. As the bodices of dresses became tighter, skirts became fuller. The farthingale, an underskirt with hoops made from willow reeds, gave skirts a bell shape. These bell-shaped skirts were often slit in front to reveal the kirtle beneath. Sleeves become longer and featured decorated or fur-lined cuffs. A variety of hats and head coverings were worn, except in warmer countries such as Spain and Italy where women kept their heads uncovered and wore their hair twisted with ribbons or pearls for Medieval Clothing History.