A Look At Medieval Women's Clothing & Dresses

A Look At Medieval Women's Clothing & Dresses

A Look At Medieval Women's Clothing & Dresses: When you think of the Medieval period, you probably conjure up visions of knights in shining armor, jousts, and castles. But what about the clothing worn by women during this time? Although clothing styles changed over time, there were certain fabrics and fashions that remained popular throughout the Middle Ages. Let’s take a look at some of them.


Fabrics Used in Medieval Women’s Clothing
The fabrics used to make medieval women’s clothing were primarily wool, linen, and silk. Wool was easily available and relatively inexpensive, so it was often used for everyday wear such as undergarments and skirts. Linen was also widely available but more expensive than wool; it was usually used for more formal wear such as dresses or gowns. Finally, silk was a luxury fabric reserved for only the wealthiest members of society. It was typically used to make fine garments such as gowns or cloaks that were reserved for special occasions like weddings or coronations.


Common Styles of Medieval Women’s Clothing
The most common style of medieval women's clothing was the kirtle dress. This garment consisted of a long skirt paired with a fitted bodice that laced up the front or back. The skirt portion could be either ankle-length or floor-length depending on the occasion; if desired, an over-dress could be added for extra warmth or formality. Another popular style was the surcoat - a sleeveless outer garment with slits on either side that laced closed in front - which could be worn over other garments to add warmth or formality to an outfit. Over time, these styles became increasingly elaborate as they incorporated new fabrics and designs into their construction.

Medieval Women's Dresses & Accessories
Men’s fashion had a significant influence on women’s dress styles, as many of their garments were modeled after men’s clothing. However, there were some distinct differences that allowed women to express their femininity and show off their individual style. Let's take a look at some of these unique medieval women's dress styles.


The Hooded Gown
The hooded gown was a popular choice among upper-class women in the Middle Ages. This garment consisted of a long tunic-style dress with wide sleeves and a hood that reached down to the waist. The fabric used for this dress could be anything from wool to linen or even silk, depending on one’s wealth and status. The gown could also be decorated with embroidery or other embellishments such as fur or beads.

The Hennin Headpiece
The hennin headpiece was another fashionable accessory during this time period. It was typically worn by upper-class women and was made from stiffened cloth or metal wire with a tall conical shape at the top. They usually featured veils or ribbons attached to them which could be arranged in various ways depending on the wearer’s preference. It is believed that this style of hat originated in France during the 15th century and quickly became popular throughout Europe.

The Wimple
The wimple was another common accessory worn by medieval women during this era. It was usually made from linen fabric and covered the neck, chin, and cheeks while leaving the forehead exposed. This item came in different shapes and sizes depending on its purpose; for example, larger wimples could be used as shawls while smaller ones were often worn as hats or headdresses. The wimple had several practical uses such as providing warmth in cold climates or protection from dust and debris when traveling outdoors but it also served an aesthetic purpose as it added an air of sophistication to any outfit.

Medieval Women's Clothing & Dresses: Final Thoughts
Medieval women's fashion may have been far different from what we're accustomed to today, but it still had its own unique charm! From luxurious silks to timeless kirtle dresses, there were plenty of beautiful fabrics and styles that helped define this era in history. So next time you're out shopping for vintage clothes or just looking for some inspiration for your own wardrobe, remember to take a moment to appreciate all those who came before us! Thanks to their hard work crafting beautiful garments out of wool, linen, and silk fabric centuries ago we can still enjoy stylish looks inspired by medieval fashion today!