Ever since Adam and Eve and the fig leaf, people have covered themselves for warmth, protection from the elements and for decoration. Some of these garments have been mere scraps pieced together, some are purely functional uses, while others have been lavish and extravagant. The purpose of this area is to provide some historical background for those interested in garments, their styles and the materials used throughout the Medieval and Renaissance periods. Just as clothing styles are different today than they were a century ago, so the clothing styles have changed over the centuries as well. In addition, the clothing styles of one region may have been quite different than those in another region at the same time, much like typical Middle Eastern garb is different from traditional Indian garb of today. To further complicate matters, a persons station or social standing would be a substantial factor in determining how they would dress as well.
The objective of this section is to attempt to provide some factual and historical information on the garments worn in various regions, eras and social standings throughout the Medieval and Renaissance periods. This reference area is divided into the following sections:
- The Materials section, where you can find information on fabrics, the different types of weaves and the colors used.
- The Design section, which covers the influence of technology and innovations on how garments were made.
- The Time section, which deals with how clothing changed from one period to the next.
- And the Location section, which provides information on how garments and fashion varied by region and culture.
As you can see, there is not much to see...yet! I have yet to come across a web site which provides as much information on period clothing as we are attempting to accumulate here, and with so many factors to be taken into account, the task is quite daunting. If you would like to contribute information for this resource page or have a question about one of the items you see, please contact us. All contributors will be recognized for their work, and we strive to make the information as factually correct as possible.