Women

For Women

~ During the 15th century it was a requirement that hair be covered for the sake of modesty.

Only someone of marriageable age or of loose morals would wear their hair UN-covered!

A simple head wrap or “turban” style is easy to make and wear and requires a single piece of cloth. Coifs were also very popular although differ in style from the male version with the “Flemish” style being most popular, Hats can also be worn and vary in design and quality.

Off-white linen or calico. (Again so you did not share your lice!!)

Head Cloth

~ on which a pouch, tools and other accessories can be hung usually complements the outfit.

Belt

~ Good shoes are the best if one of the most expensive investments you can make as a reenactor. They may seem expensive at first but remember, unlike your everyday shoes you will only be wearing them at weekends, and if you buy from most traders they are made to measure so are guaranteed to fit!

Shoes/Boots

~ One or two pairs of wool half hose, laced up under the knee, the 15C version of socks not necessary needed in warmer climes but handy if you want to be warm AND authentic.

Stockings

~ Woollen. Sleeved, plain, ideal for cold weather.

Overdress

~ Woollen. Can have short sleeves or with pinned/pointed on sleeves. It can fasten at the front back or sides (personal choice, although having a back laced fastening implied you had money to pay someone to fasten you in!) using braids on the end of which are metal tips called aiglets. These metal 'points' make the braid easy to thread and can be decorative. Light, close fitting and very full-skirted. No darts to be used, the dress shape is formed by the panels that make up the dress.

Dress

(kirtle or gown)

~ Preferably two. Off-white linen or calico long with sleeves. Drawstrings at neck or cuff were not used.

Chemise