Medieval Clothing

Medieval clothing / Medieval costumes / Larp clothing

The Middle Ages stretched from the 4th to the 15th century and was a time in which clothing differed greatly according to social status and the respective region. A wide variety of styles and materials can be found, from simple peasant costumes to the splendid robes of the nobility.

To help you choose a medieval costume, we would like to present a brief guide to the Burgschneider collection.

The Evolution of Medieval Clothing

In addition to many variations, there are also some constants across all eras and classes. For example, women typically wore ankle-length dresses. A complete garment also usually consisted of an undergarment, overgarment, and coat.

Medieval garments across the eras

The Middle Ages are generally divided into three major eras. When deciding which medieval clothing to choose, it is important to know which era it belongs to.

Early medieval clothing

In the early Middle Ages of Europe, which stretched from the 4th to the 10th century, class differences were not yet reflected in clothing to the same extent as in later eras. Clothing was strongly oriented towards pragmatic aspects.

High medieval clothing

From the 11th to the 12th century, during the High Middle Ages, class differences were expressed more clearly through clothing. Fashion became more important, but was not usually expressed in non-usable forms, but rather in more elaborate decorations, fabrics, and colors.

Late medieval clothing

The late Middle Ages began in the 13th century. Fashion was increasingly characterized by unpragmatic, exclusively representative forms. For example, trains, batwing sleeves, female headdresses with chin bands that enclosed the chin so tightly that women could only lisp in them, and similar textile variations were introduced.

Materials used for medieval clothing

The basis of medieval clothing was formed by materials such as wool, linen and silk, which were used depending on status and wealth. At first, natural-colored fabrics dominated, but later colorful dyes were also used. Furs were not only used as decoration, but also as warming elements.

Clothing was strongly influenced by social status:

Farmers and craftsmen wore simple, practical clothing made of linen and wool, such as smocks, pants and sturdy shoes, with few embellishments and natural colors. 

Citizens and merchants could afford better quality, sometimes even silk fabrics. Their wardrobe included tabards, overcoats and hoods, which reveals the first signs of fashion trends. 

The nobility and clergy, on the other hand, presented themselves in sumptuous fabrics such as velvet, brocade and silk, with elaborate embroidery, fur trimmings and precious stones. Long, wide robes and high headdresses characterized their appearance.

If you want to buy an authentic medieval costume, you should pay attention to historically correct cuts and materials, combine outer and undergarments appropriately and choose accessories such as belts, bags and accessories carefully. It is also important to match the size and fit exactly.