History of Medieval Fashion

 

History of Medieval Fashion

 

Medieval Crusaders

Medieval Crusaders Clothing

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History of Medieval Fashion

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History of Medieval Fashion

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History of Medieval fashion
The History of fashion during the Medieval times of the Middle Ages was dominated and highly influenced by the Kings and Queens of the era. Only the wealthy could dress in fashionable clothes. Sumptuary Laws  restricted ordinary people in their expenditure including money spent on clothes. Under the Sumptuary Laws passed by King Edward III only royalty were allowed to wear cloth of gold and purple silk. Expensive veils were banned for lower class women. Only the wives or daughters of nobles were allowed to wear velvet, satin sable or ermine. Fashions changed with each king and queen. The head-dress worn by people during the Medieval times of the Middle Ages immediately conveyed the rank of the person.

Timeline History of Medieval fashion
The following timeline charts the history of fashion through the Medieval times of the Middle Ages: 

Timeline Key DatesTimeline History of Medieval Fashion
1066-1087The reign of King William the Conqueror
The Normans invaded England and introduced French fashion to the English court
1087-1100The reign of King William Rufus (son of William)
William Rufus was believed to be a homosexual, he had no wife and did not influence fashion during his reign. But the first crusade started in 1095 and fine silks, satins, damasks, brocades, and velvets were imported from the Far East
1100-1135The reign of King Henry I (William Rufus brother) married Good Queen Maude. The travels of the crusaders influenced fashions by their contact with the Eastern world and more luxurious fabrics. Culture was becoming more refined. The ideals of courtly love were introduced and clothes became more colorful by the use of expensive dyes. Turbans and silks from the East were imported
1135-1154The reign of King Stephen (nephew of Henry I). He married Queen Matilda of Boulogne whose European clothing influenced fashion. The fashion for extravagant clothes continued at their court. There was a distinct emphasis on the sleeves of the garments
1154-1189The reign of King Henry II (grandson of Henry I) the first Plantagenet King of England. He married Eleanor of Aquitaine who brought further refinement to the court and an appreciation for music and the arts. The fashion changed to more simpler clothes
1189-1199The reign of King Richard I (third son of Henry II). Richard spent less than a year of his reign living in England but his bravery at the third crusade further promoted the ideals of courtly love and chivalry. Imports such as turbans and silks from the East were common. Printing (woodblock) of fabrics was adopted and buttons also arrived from the East
1199-1216The reign of King John (fifth son of Henry II) saw extravagant fashion for men whist female fashions remained simple. Hose took the place of trousers
1216-1272The reign of King Henry III (son of John) married Eleanor of Provence who influenced the English court with simple French fashion. Tight lacing was used on women's clothes to create a form fitting shape which, girdled at the hips, created a long-waisted appearance
1272-1307The reign of King Edward I (son of Henry III) he married Eleanor of Castile and Marguerite of France. Spanish and French fashion influenced the English court. Gowns and sleeves were long and trailing
1307-1327The reign of King Edward II (son of Edward I) famous for his 'friendship ' with Piers Gaveston. He married Isabella of France. The Great Famine of 1311-1315 tempered the extravagance of courtly fashion
1327-1377The reign of King Edward III (son of Edward II) he married Philippa of Hainault. Prosperous reign and fashions became extravagant and sumptuous following victory in France and at the Battle of Crecy. King Edward III passed Sumptuary Laws in 1336, 1337 and 1363 to regulate the dress of various classes of the English people, promote English garments and to preserve class distinctions by means of costume, clothes and dress. This was tempered by the Black Death which reached England in 1347
1377-1399The reign of King Richard II (grandson of Edward III, son of the Black Prince) married Anne of Bohemia, daughter of Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and Princess Isabella of Valois, daughter of Charles VI of France. Fashion was influenced by France and Spain
1399-1413The reign of King Henry IV (grandson of Edward III, son of John of Gaunt) He married Mary de Bohun and Joanna of Navarre. Fashion was influenced by their countries 
1413-1422The reign of King Henry V (son of Henry IV) The English win victory at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 and the country prospers and fashions become extravagant
1422-1461The reign of King Henry VI (son of Henry V) The Medici family rises to prominence in Florence. Italian fashions influence the English court including the introduction of the ruff
1483-1485The reign of King Richard III (uncle of Edward V) which ended with the emergence of the Tudor dynasty
Timeline Key Dates

Timeline History of Medieval Fashion

History of Medieval fashion
The Medieval Times website provides interesting facts, history and information about the clothes and fashion which scatter the Medieval History books including History of Medieval fashion. The Medieval Times Sitemap provides full details of all of the information and facts about the fascinating subject of the lives of the people who lived during the historical period of the Middle Ages. The content of this article on Medieval life and times provides free educational details, facts and information for reference and research for schools, colleges and homework for history courses and history coursework.

 

 

Medieval Times - History of Medieval Fashion

  • Watch the History Channel DVDs for Medieval Clothing, period, life, age and times
  • Fashion from Medieval history - History of Medieval Fashion
  • Medieval Times - History of Medieval Fashion
  • Information for research into Medieval Costumes
  • Dress, clothes and fashion in Medieval Times
  • History of Medieval fashion
  • Interesting facts and information about History of Medieval fashion and Middle Ages Clothing

Helpful information for history courses and history coursework - Read History Books - Medieval Society - Realms - Medival - Lives - Medival Era and Period - History of Medieval Fashion - History - Clothes - Fashion - Costumes - Information - Facts - Info - Medieval Period - Medieval - Middle Ages Clothes - Dark Ages - Information about History of Medieval Fashion - History of Medieval Fashion Facts - History of Medieval Fashion Info - Medieval Times - History of Medieval Fashion - Clothes - Fashion - Costumes - Medival Era and Period - History Channel DVDs - Written By Linda Alchin