Compilation of Historical Styles: Medieval Garments

"Long and fitted sleeves, high necklines, sober colors, and stiff tailoring are the most common indicators of medieval influences on costume/fashion." (1)

The image to the left is a painting entitled 'Christ and Abbot Menas Bawit Monastery' dated 6th-7th C. and depicts the typical garment of early Medieval dress.

The image to the right depicts Rich Bourgeoise Peasant Women, and Noble Lady circa 14th century.

"From the 11th through the 13th centuries, medieval clothing varied according to the social standing of the people. The clothing worn by nobility and upper classes was clearly different than that of the lower class.The clothing of peasants during the Middle Ages was very simple, while the clothing of nobility was fitted with a distinct emphasis on the sleeves of the garments." (2)

"In the 13th Century, in the times of Louis IX, the Medieval Fashion considerably changed when the surcoat was introduced. It was at first a garment worn only by women, but it was soon adopted by both sexes. It was originally a large wrapper with sleeves, and was thrown over the upper part of the robe . . . Very soon it was made without sleeves, so the under garment, made of a more costly material, might be seen. In order that the motion of the limbs might not be interfered with, the surcoat was raised higher above the hips, and the arm-holes were made very large. From this period gowns with tight bodices were generally adopted. The women wore over them a tight jacket, reaching to a little below the hips, often trimmed with fur when the gown was richly ornamented. Also the fur was richly ornamented itself when the gown was plain. At the end of the 13th Century luxury was at his height at the Court of France. Moreover, the magnificence and display was not confined to the Court, but it extended to the bourgeois class." (3)

(1) http://discussion.academyart.edu/sectionContent/54-23431/27073/session_07.html
(2) http://www.medieval-life.net/clothing.htm
(3) http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.medieval-spell.com/Images/Medieval-Fashion/Medieval-Fashion-14th