© Companions of the Longbow

Women’s Peasant Dresses

Taken from Medieval Military Costume by Gerry Embleton these pictures show a 14th century woman on campaign.

She wears a yellow kirtle—underdress– over which is the warm overdress.  It’s worth noting the detail of the side panels that allow a closer fit and the button sleeves which were a feature of 14th century.

Note the two methods of shortening the skirt length for convenience when working: by tucking up the front and by gathering some of the length over a second belt worn on the hips.

Over her head a nice warm hood and under that is a form of head cloth.

To the left is a re-created camp scene from the 15th century in which the cook is wearing a simple linen dress over her shift and her long hair is plaited and tied up under her head cloth.

The following are 15th century examples.

Left is a blue underdress of thin wool or linen.  A practical design it’s laced up at the front and at the sides of the bodice to allow the width of the bodice to be adjusted during pregnancies.

Below shows the same basic cut but with a lower neckline showing more of the chemise.  The skirt is very full and allows the cloth to fall in graceful conical falls.

To the left this woman is dressed up to go out.  Over her sage green underdress she wears a blue woollen gown.  This gown is almost identical but cut fuller to be pulled on over it.

Shown here is a women with all the “typical” kit of camp follower.  I doubt we’d need to go this far but hopefully it’s clear that the style of dress has practicality very much at it’s core.  There are plenty of layers and where the skirts are too long they are pulled and tied up.

Sample Patterns

How to Make a Simple Medieval Dress, a free pattern by Sally Pointer.

“By My Own Hand” Some Free Pattern Sheets for Ladies' Medieval Costumes

The Costumer's Manifesto

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