Whether knight games, a medieval festival or perhaps a Viking festival: more than 800 events with a historical character take place in Germany every year. At a festival, noble women in historical robes and knights in chain mail bring the European Middle Ages to life. But what did the ladies, country women, farmers and noble men actually wear back then? We'll give you a better idea and explain how you can recreate the look effectively. Bring a romantic touch from the past into your life with suitable medieval clothing and go on a journey through time with us!
Medieval clothing for women: This is what the nobles and country women wore!
In the Middle Ages, a so-called dress code was drawn up. There it was determined what people were allowed to wear depending on their status. For example, rural women's clothing should be simple, practical and suitable for work. They wore long, wide, pleated dresses made of wool or linen and accentuated the waist with a simple bodice belt. Hoods made of felt or leather, as well as headscarves, were permitted as headgear. The clothing of women belonging to the peasant class has remained almost the same over the centuries.
In contrast, the wardrobe of noble women changed significantly and the clothing became “fashion”. In the early Middle Ages it was heavily influenced by Byzantine fashion. Back then, women wore ankle-length, wide undergarments and sleeveless outer dresses. The outfit guaranteed them freedom of movement and was sewn from high-quality fabrics in different colors such as blue, green and white.
In the High Middle Ages, a shirt was worn as an undergarment and a skirt as an outer garment. A long coat with laces effectively rounded off the outfit. Richly decorated belts and hoods embroidered with beads were trendy accessories.
In the late Middle Ages, women's femininity was emphasized by tight-fitting dresses with deep necklines. The noble fabrics such as velvet and silk in strong colors such as red, blue and purple were considered particularly expensive and were only affordable for wealthy nobles. The medieval clothing was also richly decorated with embroidery, beads and gold coins were incorporated into the dress.
How to recreate the look: With a red dress with laces, or an ensemble consisting of a skirt, a shirt and a leather bodice with embroidery, you will quickly transform into a noble woman. Themedieval clothingare available in renowned online shops.
Medieval clothing for men: nobles, farmers and knights
Medieval peasant clothing was primarily comfortable and consisted of a long undershirt, ankle-length trousers and a sleeveless coat. The shoes, similar to those worn by women, were carved from wood or sewn from leather.
Among the nobles, a man's status could be recognized by his clothing. Rich and respected nobles wore colorful, long and tight clothing. In the early Middle Ages, men paired short coats with long shirts. In the High Middle Ages, a shirt and a long tabard formed an attractive ensemble. In the late Middle Ages leg warmers became a popular piece of clothing.
The knights were dressed in armor for their protection: long-sleeved chain mail and chain hoods or breastplates, halters and helmets made of metal protected the knight's head and upper body from the swords of his opponents. Various leather bracers or chainmail gloves with metal fittings rounded off the medieval armor.
How to recreate the look: Combine a wide and long white shirt with a doublet and matching medieval trousers.
