Clothing
From Conservapedia
Clothing, in the broadest sense, refers to materials that cover the body which provide warmth, shelter, hygiene, and/or modesty. Clothing can be made of any number of materials, including plant fibers (such as cotton), animal hides or fibers (such as wool or fur), and artificial textiles (such as polyester or spandex). The vast variety of clothing speaks to the diversity of human cultures and behavior, with different modes of clothing being reserved for work, certain socioeconomic classes, and children.
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Clothing During the Middle Ages
The Clothing of the European Medieval period is a fascinating development from simple garments which were universal to all classes into complex, and often restrictive fashions, which varied for each class. We will begin around 900 AD and continue to 1600, focusing on the clothing of the British Isles.
Anglo-Saxon England - 900 AD
The clothing of Pre-Norman England was very simple, existing primarily for protection and warmth with little or no interest in fashion. All classes wore garments of similar type. Distinctions of rank were shown in the quality of the fabric and in the person's jewelry. Wool and linen were the most common fabrics. Both were dyed in basic, natural colors. Upper class women might occupy their spare time by working embroidery, but such adornment was rare.
Women wore two long gowns with tight-fitting sleeves as basic undergarments. Over these, was worn a super-tunic, a loose gown with moderately flared sleeves which reached a few inches past the elbow and were turned back into a cuff. The super-tunic was hitched up at the sides to around knee length to keep it free of dirt. Unmarried women always covered their heads unless they were slaves. The head-dresses were nothing more than a simple draped cloth or a hood attached to the cloak. The cloak was a large semi circle of fabric which was draped around the shoulders and tied or pinned with a brooch.
Men wore a tight fiting shirt as an undergarment. Over the shirt, they wore a tunic, which was like a woman's super-tunic, but shorter. On their legs, they wore loose trousers called braes, which were bound tight to the leg with thongs of leather. Men's cloaks could be in a variety of shapes including square, oblong, and semicircular.
Shoes for men and women were fairly simple. They were really no more than slippers, with soft soles that offered minimal protection or support. Many of the poor simply went barefoot. Shoes were little more than ornaments for the rich. Boots were also available, but again they were flimsy by modern standards.
Anglo-Norman England - 1000 AD
The Norman Conquest brought many changes in the clothing of the English people. Embroidered and appliqued borders became popular for men and women as did the wearing of belts. Square necklines gained popularity and became as common as the old round style. The Normans also transmitted their attention to cleanliness and personal appearance to the English. Soon most English combed their hair and bathed quite frequently and owned several sets of clothing. The Normans also started a trend of fine fabrics and clothes decorated to an absurd degree.
Women's clothes went through two notable changes during this period. First, the sleeves of the super-tunic were no longer flared, but fit tight to the wrist. Second, the super tunic was no longer hitched up but hung long. Women continued to keep their heads covered.
Shoes were still flimsy by modern standards, and like the rest of English costume became increasingly ornamented.
