Clothing during the dark ages

Every cloud having a silver lining is evidence enough that dark periods in history have ended with the beginning of merrier times. The same goes for the medieval period, lasting from 5^th to 15^th century that ended with the beginning of the renaissance period which was a period of intellectual awakening.

Since it was a long frame of time, clothing during this period went through various changes. There was a huge difference in the lifestyle of the rich and that of the poor peasants.

It wasn’t a very flourishing period for the common people since life wasn’t secure and epidemics were frequent, clothing was utility and availability based. Their clothing was very simple and basic with no embellishments. The main garment worn by both men and women was a tunic. Men’s tunics were mostly knee length whereas women had tunics till their mid calves essentially making it a dress. During the later period, these dresses became even longer and would go till the ankle. Sometimes these tunics (mostly men’s) also had side slits which allowed them more movement while working.

 

These tunics were belted at the waist. While working, these long tunics could be tucked into belts for easy movement. They were generally made out of wool which the women spun into threads that were woven into cloth for garments. Blue, pale yellow, green, dull orange, etc were prevalent colors for women’s clothing. Most men’s tunics were also made out of wool but were coarser and were not as colourful as that of women’s.

It also became fashion for people long shifts or under tunics. Usually among the working classes, these shifts would be woven from hemp and would remain undyed; after many wearings and washings, they would soften up and lighten in color. 

Men and women many a times would go barefoot but during the winters and while doing outdoor work, they would wear simple leather boots.

 

Head covering was an important part of their attire. Men wore hats while women wore veils and wimples.

The rich however, had much more elaborate clothing. Their inner garments were made of linen. Men started wearing long jackets with elaborate work and pleating and skirting. Their clothes were brightly colored since bright dyes were expensive. Many a times, their jackets and tunics had fur linings and borders. Women wore long flowing gowns. Men wore stockings under their long shirts. Their shirts and jackets were mostly trimmed with fur and had gold embroidery on them. They wore large hats which in those times was a sign of wealth.  Women wore fitted gowns that sometimes trailed off the floor. These gowns were highly embellished with pearls, diamonds and other gems.

Therefore the huge class difference was easily evident in the clothing. This long period of darkness came in with many hard times but finally ended with a golden period.