Medieval Times Fashion
- Camila Rodríguez
- May 1, 2023
- 2 min read
Today we dive into the Middle Age! This was the age better fall of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Renaissance. The Middle Age is also referred to as the "Dark Ages" or the "Medieval Times". The Germanic people established kingdoms in the former Western Empire which brought new political leadership.
Fashion in the Medieval Times was fabulous! Just like in previous Ages, clothing depended on social class and status. Garments varied in color, style and material depending on the person wearing it.
In the Medieval times cloaks or mantles were worn for protection from the weather and other elements. They were typically made from a circular or rectangular cloth lined with fur and fastened with a chain or brooch at the neck. Sometimes men would fasten at the shoulder to allow his arm to freely draw a sword during a battle. Some cloaks had a hood fastened with buttons, and was used as an alternative to headgear.
Women wore tunics or floor-length, sleeveless dresses, both noblewomen and peasant women would wear the same garments, but of different materials. The noblewomen would wear colorful, luxe fabrics with rich embroidery - such as silk and velvet- whereas peasant women wore simple undyed linen tunics, because of the laws in place to prevent them from wearing more fashionable clothes. This caused a very visible separation of social classes.
In the late Medieval Times dress for women became more elaborate. Two tunics were worn, one more complex than the other. As well borders of sleeves, necklines, and bottom of the dresses were decorated with ornamental bands. Waistlines became more emphasized, corsets were introduced and extravagant jewelries were added.
In our modern day we use cloaks, corsets and fancy dresses regardless of our social status. As well we have lots of costumes that resemble the Middle Age. Some of the extravagant designs and details are used in modern bridal wear.
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