In contrast, the dress is a more general term that can refer to a wide variety of garments worn by women throughout history. Unlike kirtles, dresses often have a more complex construction and may include features such as sleeves, collars, and elaborate embellishments. Dresses are usually made from more luxurious fabrics such as silk, satin, or velvet and are typically worn as outer garments for formal occasions. Here you will find Medieval wedding dresses, Pagan handfasting, Renaissance fair gowns, Masquerade ball gowns and more. Evolved Chaperones: During the 15th century, chaperones transformed and started featuring larger bourrelets. These new chaperones became a status symbol, and people began using significant amounts of fabric to make them. The Florentine chaperon of 1515 is an excellent example as it used over 9 meters of cloth. The oversized bourrelets added a touch of elegance and fashion to the hood, eventually leading to the development of big hats in the later middle ages.

According to “Eirik the Red’s Saga” (chapter 8), “a hood at the top but no arms, and was open at the sides and fastened between the legs with a button and loop.” Was worn by Viking Age Scots, and “they wore nothing else.” Image from https://lavalhallalujah.wordpress.com/2017/02/18/vinland-sagas-kjafal-matches-the-st-lawrence-perfectly/ A man’s tunic or coat reaching to the knees, often worn singularly as a man’s only body garment. But, by the 13th century a kirtle more often meant a women’s gown; an outer petticoat or skirt for women. Also, a kirtle meant a coat or covering in general, as in “a kirtle of plaster on the wall” for example. BONUS Early Modern Articles! (clothing and accessories that are definitely post-16th century but still historical, awesome and useful for writers to know) The elaborate formal dress of royalty or high status ceremony, appearing differently across cultures. Also, the symbolical paraphernalia of a sovereign: a crown and scepter. A distinguishable white cap worn by lawyers; a nightcap; a skullcap; an ecclesiastical head-dress worn by Jewish priests; a padded textile, leather or chainmail cap typically worn under a helmet and tailored to fit tightly around the chin. Today, the term also refers to a balaclava.A gold embroidered garment of any kind. Although orphrey usually means gold embroidery in general, it would not be wrong to say “he wears orphrey” or “he donned orphrey.” Hoods with Liripipes: During the mid-14th to the late 15th century, people used to wear long-tailed hoods called Liripipes. These hoods were often considered an extension of chaperones and used to add style and flair. Liripipes had tails that could be wrapped around one’s head or draped over the shoulders. People could decorate them with tassels and other embellishments to express themselves.

Around 1400, these early breastplates only covered the upper torso with the lower torso not being protected by plate until the development of the Fauld (Faulds) are a piece of plate armour worn below a breastplate to protect the waist and hips. They take the form of bands of metal surrounding both legs, potentially surrounding the entire hips in a form similar to a skirt. A kirtle is a type of garment that was commonly worn by women in the Middle Ages. It typically consisted of a bodice and a skirt that was either sewn together or held in place by a belt or drawstring. Kirtles were usually made from simple, sturdy fabrics such as wool or linen and were worn as either an undergarment or an outer garment, depending on the occasion and social status of the wearer. During the 13th century, Plates protecting the torso, plates directly attached to a knightly garment known as the surcoat. True breastplates reappear in Europe in 1340 first composed of wrought iron and later of steel.The medieval hood has its roots in ancient times but evolved significantly during the medieval period. The word “hood” is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word “höd,” which is related to “hat.” During the medieval era, hoods with short capes, called chaperones, were fashionable among all social classes. Hoods became more popular in Europe during the 12th century when short capes with attached hoods were imported from Normandy. Hoods underwent further changes in design during the 14th century, with the addition of the liripipes, which added elegance and style to the garment. The medieval hood was primarily used as protection from the environment, such as defending against cold weather, wind, and rain. In some cases, hoods were even used to protect against bladed weapons as an extra layer of defence. Medieval Hoods by AndScene is licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0 h2>

In the 15th century, women's medieval dresses evolved further into the Renaissance. The voluminous dresses, known as "houppelandes", with wide sleeves, gave way to the Italian doublets of the Renaissance. Hats adorned with gigantic feathers became the latest trend. These dresses, with their extravagant details, captured everyone's attention and were symbols of the opulence and sophistication of the time.

Materials Used in Medieval Women's Clothing A circlet or coronal of either flowers, leaves, gold or precious stones. Also, a garland or wreath for the head.

Related: