What Were Clothes Called in Medieval Times?

Women's clothing in medieval times consisted of a tunic, also known as a shirt, chain, or robe. It was usually made of linen and was worn over one or more tunics that reached the ankles. These tunics were also referred to as robes or kirtles. Women wore long robes or robes with close-fitting cuts, long skirts, and long, flared sleeves.

This style was characteristic of upper-class fashion for both men and women.Men's clothing underwent fewer changes than women's clothing during this period. They typically wore a linen loincloth or brick-type shorts under tight, leggings-type wool pants. A leather or woven belt held the pants at the waist and strips of leather were sometimes wrapped around the calves for protection. Wealthy men wore a linen tunic with tight sleeves underneath the woolen outer robe.In the 5th and 6th centuries, the tunic was short, reaching the thigh and generally sleeveless.

It was fitted with a leather belt. From the 7th to 11th centuries, tunics had sleeves of varying lengths, including long, full sleeves, long, tight sleeves, and contrasting colored cuffs. The tunics were still above the knee but were starting to get longer. On top of the first tunic, another tunic was worn without sleeves or with much looser sleeves; it was also shorter at the waist than the lower tunic.

For colder climates, these upper tunics were usually lined with fur (then called pelisson).A belt with a decorative metal buckle was worn over the tunic and was often adorned with gold, silver and jewelry. With the passage of time and increased international relations, clothing became increasingly intricate and elegant among wealthy classes until the Renaissance. Silk was the most frequently mentioned type of clothing in Anglo-Saxon bequests due to its intrinsic value and rich treatment.Wool was the thick material used in early medieval garments for all classes of society. Slaves and poorest peasants could only use wool for their garments.

Noble women wore elegant dresses at court and social events such as tournaments. The import of luxurious fabrics increased during this period and their use expanded somewhat but clothing remained very expensive.For several peoples living in England such as Anglo-Saxons, Anglo-Danes, Normans and British, clothing in medieval times differed widely for men and women as well as for different classes of social hierarchy. Men's underwear consisted of an inner tunic or shirt with long, tight sleeves made of linen for comfort. During the rest of the medieval period, men wore tight modern clothing such as a fitted tunic cut into four sections sewn in the center of the back and on the sides and fastened with buttons in the center of the front.Access to clothing was restricted in times of economic conflict during wars such as the Hundred Years' War with France (1337-1453 AD).

Clothes were often made of wool although silk and brocade items could be saved for special occasions. For greater personalization decorations and other layers of clothing were added above the shirt and jewelry began to appear in women's clothing.New types of medieval clothing would protect people from hot, cold or humid weather making them happier overall.