medieval costumes for men women and kids

If you plan to attend a fair, an event or an occasion with a medieval theme, then outfitting yourself in appropriate medieval costumes matches the theme and sets the mood for an enjoyable time. The medieval period ranged from 500 AD to 1500 AD and fashion evolved hugely during this period, flowering from the 11th century onwards with a strict dress code according to social class structures. Common people were forbidden from using certain colours and fabrics while the nobility could wear richly coloured and embellished tunics with richly embellished sleeves. The knights wore sleeveless surcoats and had armour as protection. While loose tunics were the style, later on tight, body fitting medieval clothing came into vogue. Latter day medieval clothes were made up of undershirts, briefs and a jacket topped by a tunic or a cloak. Women commonly wore tunics over shirts, varying in style and richness according to their social status. There is diversity enough to be confusing. Consider that you can dress yourself as royalty, as a lord, as a merchant, as a commoner, as a hunter, as a knight or as a courtier and choose dress styles from various periods and it can take quite some time to decide an appropriate style of medieval dress for the event you wish to attend.

Medieval Dress Styles for men

The simplest dress is that of a peasant. It is a simple dress consisting of a short tunic, coarse cloaks, a hat of wool and leather breeches and simple boots. A simple belt to tie around the waist holds the tunic in place. More impressive is the costume of a knight clad in armour from head to toe. Chain mail was the protective armour used in earlier times followed by solid metal plate. These days you can buy medieval dresses that resemble chain mail or with plastic armour painted to look like metal. The most regal medieval costume is undoubtedly that of Kings. Loose style tunics made of rich velvet with plenty of embellishment and embroidery along with a long cloak and pointed shoes are all part of a king’s costume. A crown of metal and plenty of jewellery add glitter and sparkle to your looks at medieval festivals.

Medieval costumes for Women

Women have more options in medieval costumes. She can dress up as a princess in royal robes of velvet, richly embroidered, with ruffles and jewels, a sash across the waist and a dainty crown with jewels. Women would look just as attractive in Lady Marion dresses, dressed as a lady in waiting, as a lady musketeer or as a wench projecting a saucy look. Most medieval clothing for women feature full length dresses with head gear and veil. A wench dress differs in that it has a flared sleeve upper tunic with a sleeveless vest, a skirt that stops just short of the ankles and boots to match. Accessories enhance the look in the form of a Stuart cap or a Kennel headdress.

Medieval costumes for Children

Medieval festivals and occasions are just right for children, giving them a wonderful chance to dress up as kings, knights, prince or princess, mimic Robin Hood or Friar Tuck or emulate the Musketeers or even dress as pirates of those times with a full sleeved tunic, a cape, a sword and a tricorn hat with a plume, not forgetting the notorious eye patch. Girls can take liberties with medieval clothing dressed as princesses, fairies, musketeers, gypsies or wenches. Children even love to dress up as animals and role play at medieval events.

Medieval costumes bring to life the grandeur and opulence of a majestic era and it can be fun to enjoy the part.