Women's Medieval Cotton Dress (10th-15th Century) | Versatile Historical Gown - Outlet

Women's Medieval Cotton Dress (10th-15th Century) | Versatile Historical Gown

Appearance and Material of the Dress

This medieval dress boasts a classic, loose A-line cut, typical of attire from the 10th to 15th centuries. It features long, straight sleeves and a floor-length design, ensuring an authentic look and freedom of movement. A simple round neckline elegantly complements the overall design. The dress is crafted from high-quality, sturdy 100% cotton. This cotton is a pleasant heavyweight, making it more durable than common cotton, ensuring it isn't see-through and guaranteeing a long lifespan. While wool would have been historically common for such dresses, cotton offers affordability and greater comfort in warmer weather. All colour variants feature a practical slit on the left side for added ease of walking. The garment's weight ranges from approximately 517g (Size L) to 688g (Size 3XL), testifying to the substantial material used.

Available Colours: Black, Brown, Red.
Available Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL.

Modern-Day Uses

This medieval garment is incredibly versatile. You can use it as the foundation of your costume for:

• LARP (Live Action Role Play): Whether you're playing a brave warrior woman, a wise healer, a simple villager, or a mysterious sorceress. A great addition to your LARP costume for women.
• Historical Festivals and Markets: Perfect for achieving a period-appropriate look.
• SCA Events and Reenactment: The authentic cut aligns with historical patterns from the early to high Middle Ages. Ideal for SCA garb.
• Medieval Weddings: A great choice for a bride, bridesmaid, or guest seeking an original outfit.
• Cosplay and Theatrical Performances: A universal base for many historical and fantasy characters, including elves or other mystical beings, enhancing any fantasy dress.
• Themed Parties and Celebrations.

Thanks to its simple design, you can easily accessorize it with a belt (not included), pouch, jewellery, or additional layers of clothing to create a unique character for your historical costume dress.

A Glimpse into History: How Similar Dresses Were Worn

Garments of a similar cut, often referred to as a 'cote' or 'kirtle,' were a fundamental element of women's wardrobes across Europe for several centuries (approximately 10th to 15th century). They were worn by women of various social classes. While common women wore dresses made from coarser fabrics like linen or wool in natural colours, noblewomen could afford more expensive materials such as silk or brocade and richer dyes, often adorned with embroidery.

These dresses were typically worn over a linen undershirt (cotte simple, chemise). An additional layer, such as a surcoat (overdress) without sleeves or with short sleeves, might be worn over them, especially in colder weather or for more formal occasions. The waist was often emphasized with a belt, from which small items like keys, a knife, or a small pouch were hung. The cut gradually evolved from looser forms in the early Middle Ages to more fitted silhouettes in later periods, when techniques like lacing began to be used to accentuate the figure. This makes it a suitable representation for a Renaissance gown's earlier forms too.

An Interesting Historical Tidbit

Colours in the Middle Ages often held symbolic meaning, and their availability was limited by the cost of dyes. For example, red, one of the colours offered, could symbolize love, passion, but also power and courage. It was obtained from expensive dyestuffs like madder or kermes, so deep red garments were often a privilege of the wealthier classes. Black became fashionable, especially in the late Middle Ages at the Burgundian court, symbolizing elegance and solemnity. Brown was a common colour for everyday clothing, easily obtainable from natural sources.

Product Care

To keep your medieval dress looking beautiful and serving you for as long as possible, please follow these instructions:

• Washing: Machine wash at 40°C / 104°F (preferably with similar coloured clothes to avoid risk of colour transfer). Wash before first use.
• Drying: Can be tumble dried on low heat.
• Ironing: Can be ironed on low heat if necessary.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, preferably hung on a hanger or carefully folded to prevent creasing. Protect from moths during long-term storage to maintain your cotton medieval gown.

Size Chart

Please see the measurement chart below to select your correct size. The chest measurements listed are the body measurements of the wearer, taken around the fullest part of the chest/bust. The length and sleeve length measurements are the measurements of the garment itself. If you are in-between sizes, we recommend sizing up for a looser fit.

Dress in a piece of history and become the star of any medieval or fantasy event with this Mythrojan dress!

Product includes one (1) cotton dress. Accessories shown in photographs (e.g., belt) are not included. Other dress colours and styles are available separately.

Designed in the USA. Crafted in Nepal. A Mythrojan® product.