Medieval Clothing Design

Medieval clothing was usually about designs that were considered to be ostentatious in order to show the wealth and social ranking of the wearer. During renaissance times there was a rise in wealthy people, mostly merchants and they sought to display their wealth through clothing. Medieval clothing can be divided into 2 different types. They were simple and useful designs that were worn by the peasant class, and elaborate, colorful medieval clothing worn by aristocracy. Nowadays the two most common places you will see medieval clothing is either in films or at a renaissance fair.

Medieval Clothing Selection

The shirts, robes and tunics worn by the peasants were made from wool. The sole purpose of this clothing was to last a long time as most peasants could not afford to have a large selection of clothes. Therefore durability was the most important factor for this type of medieval clothing. The downside of this type of clothing is that it was not very comfortable. It was tailored for purely practical purposes.

Medieval Clothing

As far as medieval clothing for the aristocracy is concerned it was a very different scenario. Cloaks, tunics and vests of this time were made to be very colorful and elaborate. Apart from wool and cotton, materials such as silk were used to make these clothes. Silk in those days was even more rare and expensive compared to nowadays. Garments of any type that were used in those times is rare to find nowadays. The only knowledge we have nowadays about this type of clothing is from paintings and writings although there are a few dresses, blouses and pants leftover today. It is hard for some people to believe but even during renaissances times styles changed frequently, probably even more compared to nowadays for Medieval Clothing.