Robes and other Clothing

[Ellen & John Anglin]

No: HPFGUIDX 45728

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "Steve" <bboy_mn at y...> wrote:
> http://moas.atlantia.sca.org/topics/clot.htm
> 
> Who knew from reading what people perceive as I child's book, I 
would
> end up researching medievel cloths and swords, not to mention 
dozens
> of  other things I've research because of reading these books.
> 
> JKR.... Thanks, it's been fun and educating.
> 
> Just some thoughts.
> 
> bboy_mn

The Kngdom of Atlantia "Arts and Sciences" Web page is one of the 
best costume resource pages on the internet, as well as having links 
on almost any other Medieval art or scince you could desire- 
including armor and swords; find it at; 
http://moas.atlantia.sca.org/topics.htm

Yes, most medivel clothing is made up of many layers. It was simply 
too cold in most of northern Europe to get away with only one layer 
of clothing. (No central heating!)

An average mens outfit would be under trousers of some sort, (Loose 
or tight, long or short, depends on region and era.)  Which might 
have been covered with some sort of outer legwear- tights or hose, 
or perhaps just leg wraps. Linen undertunic or shirt, one or more 
wool overtunics or jackets, and if one was wealthy enough, and the 
climate cold enough, an overcoat or robe, and perhaps a cloak on top 
of that.

Women wore an underdress/chemise, with an overdress or two on top of 
that, and possibly a surcote. 

In general, because of the cold, multiple layers were the rule, 
rather than the exception, and welthier people wore more layers, and 
had more clothing in general.

When referring to Monks robes, Keep in mind that the habit of most 
orders was fixed at the time the order was founded- and was based on 
common clothing of the time.  Some of our best information on the 
cut of medieval clothes comes from monastaries and nunneries who's 
members have been cutting their habits/robes from exactly the same 
patterns since the 12th century.

Ellen