Category:European Garb

European dress in the 12th to 16th centuries had many things in common. In all the varied countries the basic elements were the same. Men and women both wore and undershirt, or Chemise in a light white or unbleached fabric. This first layer protected the outer garments from sweat and body oils. Over this was a mid layer an over dress for women and a doublet of some kind for men. Women wore a head covering of some kind. It was considered both unsanitary and immodest to have a bare head.

The Cotehardie or eight-gore dress, universally worn from the 12th century forward by women from ireland to france.

English Dress

French Dress

Irish Dress

Irish dress from the period is marked by large voluminous sleeves on the chemise, or Leine worn by both men and women. Over this men worn a Kilcommon jacket. it was a variation on a Doublet with thin sleeves the lay open over the undershirt. Men and women both wore stockings or Trewes on their legs, trewes would be held up by points attached to the small clothes. Women's stockings were held up with tablet woven or leather garters.

Women had more variation of dress in Ireland with front and back lacing kirtles. The Irish version of the kirtle is often called the Shinrone Gown.