Due to the widespread dissemination of Christianity in the 9th and 10th centuries, dresses became the leading female garment. Medieval gowns of the Dark Ages, from the 6th to the beginning of the 11th century, were more like tunics than dresses in the modern sense. The top medieval dress of a simple A-shape was a mixture of Byzantine, Norman, and Antique styles. It was decorated with embroidery at the collar, sleeves, and hem. Women used belts to emphasize their waistline, as there was no separation between the bodice and skirt of the dress. From the early 11th century onwards, fashion incorporated a respectful attitude towards pregnant women. Adding draperies in the abdominal, high rise, and strongly flared bottom of the medieval dress helped them. h2>The brial, a functional garment

One of the garments used by the women of the Medieval High Society was the brial. This dress was very common from the 11th century until the end of the 15th century. The brial was considered a luxury garment and noble fabrics such as silk, ceda, xamet or ciclatón were used for its preparation. However, its functionality and simplicity favored the peasantry also assuming it as a habitual garment. Of course, made in more humble fabrics, such as hemp or wool. In a similar way to what happened with surcoats, since they were made up of a long and loose piece, the person who wore it had to tie it at the waist with a belt or a cord. At the end of the 15th century, this outfit was renamed saya, a name that has lasted until our times.

The luxurious decorations of the brial

The brial used by the Medieval Nobility used to be made of noble fabrics and was abundantly decorated. In general, this garment is used over other clothing as a demonstrative accessory. In this way, the international fashions of the most renowned textile centers of the time were followed.

As shown by various engravings in incunabula of the time or in wall paintings, the sleeves were drawn, curled or folded horizontally. Among these decorative elements, stitching, spirals, threads and prints also stood out. The latter used to have motifs of Muslim influence, especially in the kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula, where the relationship between different cultures was common.

The influence of European fashion in the Brial

This dress was one of the ones that underwent the most changes during the Middle Ages, especially in the pieces commissioned by the High Nobility. Not so much in its basic structure, but in the decorative elements that made each dress unique. For example, the Flemish influence caused the making of briales with false, drawable or removable sleeves.

Italian fashion was in favor of opening openings on the sides to show the sleeves of the shirt, forming bulges. In the case of France, fashion extended the smallest pleats, the use of the belt below the chest or the line of the shoulders more dropped. In Medieval Shop you will find different models of this historical garment.

The corset was initially a prerogative of the men’s wardrobe, often made of metal and leather, resembling armour. The ancient Greeks and Romans classicized tight bodies. The ancient corset slimmed the stomach and the chest; however, it caused unimaginable pain.

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The word ‘cloak’ usually implies a long, loose outer garment that often comes with a hood. Cloaks have been a part of human attire for thousands of years in the form of animal skins, which served both as clothing and blankets. a>

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Medieval corsets usually covered the torso from the level of the armpits and ended just above the hips. Fashion historians have called medieval corsets “an instrument of torture” as they were highly uncomfortable. The corsets had an elaborate design, which made it possible to pull the waist up to 12 inches. Ladies often fainted from the inability to take a deep breath. There was also a shorter corset form, which covered only the waist. It was known as the “Waist Cincher” and supported the breasts from below. Medieval TunicsWith the influence of Italian fashion, a ‘huque’ cloak gained immense popularity. It resembled a poncho and was bell-shaped with massive folds in front. In the 14th century, the ‘pelisson’ took over, a cloak with arm slits, often fully lined. Later, the cloak featured short or long bell sleeves and became an actual coat. Medieval Chemise Chemise by Pharos is under licenced CC0 1.0 Middle Ages cloaks were the leading outer clothing of the era, so they were made with many materials and creative designs. Initially, the cloaks were similar for women and men of all classes; however, they underwent various changes over the centuries. In the 12th century, simple pull-over style cloaks and capes were replaced by a light full-round ‘mantle’ cloak, leading to a significant change in the fashion of cloaks. This loose-fitting cloak was held on the shoulders by only a twisted silken cord or a decorative ribbon. Medieval Tunics were a simple and multiform item that was ideal for a standalone garb for warm weather. From Ancient Rome and towards the end of the Middle Ages epoch, tunics were worn by both men and women. Tunics evolved with time and adapted themselves to the industry development level, scientific progress, and cultural preferences. Medieval Dresses Medieval Dresses by Thomas Quine is under licenced CC BY-SA 2.0 Fashion evolved throughout the Middle Ages as there were equally fashionable and outdated styles. However, it was not as fast-paced as nowadays, when clothing is mass-produced and easily accessible. Medieval clothing for women had a slow but beautiful transformation, still being adapted and adorned by women today, indicating the eminence of fashion during this period.

During the 11th to 13th centuries, trade with the eastern countries brought silk and muslin to Europe. Bright colours, previously inaccessible, came into the nobles’ daily life. The amount of fabric and the number of folds determined the social status of people then. It was when beautiful medieval dresses gained trains, making fashion a little dramatic. Medieval Cloaks Cloaks by Jens Mohr is under licenced CC BY-SA 3.0 a>

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