Dark Blue High Medieval Bliaut Dress with Flared Trumpet Sleeves - Outlet

Dark Blue High Medieval Bliaut Dress with Flared Trumpet Sleeves

Historical Context: The Elegance of the Bliaut

The cut of this magnificent dress is characteristic of the Bliaut (or Bliaud), a garment that dominated European fashion from the 11th to the 13th century. Prior to this era, women's clothing was generally loose-fitting and concealed the natural shape of the body. The introduction of the bliaut changed everything, as garments became much more tailored and form-fitting. Originally, the bliaut was an aristocratic, courtly overgarment made from fine, expensive fabrics, notable for its extremely wide trumpet sleeves. These exaggerated sleeves were a blatant status symbol – they clearly demonstrated that the wearer did not engage in manual labour. Eventually, this style was adopted by the wealthy middle classes as well. Beautiful depictions of this iconic dress can be seen in the Sant'Elena fresco at the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Milan, and within the pages of the late 12th-century encyclopaedia, the Hortus Deliciarum.

Material, Craftsmanship, and Proper Care

This floor-length gown is crafted from 100% fine cotton, providing excellent breathability and durability. The contrasting teal accents – including the V-neckline, the inner lining of the sleeves, and the accompanying tie belt – are made from a smooth, slightly shimmering cotton sateen. To ensure your dress serves you well for many events and retains its deep colours, it is recommended to machine wash it on a gentle cycle at a maximum of 40 °C (104 °F). The fabric is not suitable for tumble drying. We advise washing the dress separately or with similarly dark colours initially, to prevent any accidental colour bleeding onto lighter garments.

Practical Advice for Wearing and Safety

The wide trumpet sleeves are a magnificent feature that can be folded back to proudly display the contrasting teal lining. The dress is gathered at the waist using the included fabric belt, creating a flattering, authentic silhouette. When attending historical encampments or evening feasts, please exercise extreme caution around open fires, torches, or candles. The long, sweeping hems of the skirt and the trailing sleeves can easily catch a stray spark or flame. When walking through woodland or rough terrain, it is practical to lift the skirts slightly to avoid snagging the fine cotton on brambles or sharp stones.

We highly recommend pairing this dress with a historical leather belt, a delicate linen veil, and a light linen underdress (chemise) to achieve perfect historical authenticity and maximum comfort. Please be aware that any additional accessories or undergarments shown in the photographs are not included with this item.

Technical Specifications and Parameters

Size Chart

To determine your correct size, please measure your chest circumference horizontally at the fullest part. Allowances for comfortable wearing and ease of movement are already included in the pattern. If your measurements fall between two sizes, we recommend choosing the larger size for a better fit.