Charles de Blois 14th Century Wool Cotehardie | Medieval Reenactment Tunic, red

Charles de Blois 14th Century Wool Cotehardie | Medieval Reenactment Tunic, red

How You Can Use This Cotehardie

This versatile cotehardie is designed as a fashionable and functional garment for various occasions:

• 14th Century Reenactment: Authentically complete your historical attire with this faithful reproduction of a classic medieval garment.
• LARP and Living History: Immerse yourself in your character with maximum authenticity and comfort, perfect for any LARP costume or living history apparel.
• Theatrical and Film Productions: An excellent choice for costumes requiring historical accuracy for stage and screen.
• History Enthusiasts & Medieval Faires: A unique piece for anyone wishing to create a 14th-century persona or enrich their collection of historical clothing for medieval faires and events.

This medieval tunic stands out on its own or can be perfectly complemented with a belt, pouch, and other period accessories for a complete 14th-century look.

The Cotehardie of Charles de Blois in Historical Context

This cotehardie is inspired by an extant 14th-century garment, generally referred to as the 'Charles de Blois pourpoint.' Currently housed in the Musée des Tissus et des Arts Décoratifs in Lyon, France, it stands as one of the most well-preserved surviving garments from the 14th century. The original pourpoint was a functional arming garment, constructed from layers of fabric quilted together. It famously featured 70 buttons fastening the front and each sleeve.

The cotehardie itself was a popular upper-body garment during the 14th century, evolving from the earlier tunic. Worn by men and women across various social strata, its cut and material often reflected the wearer's wealth. It was characterized by a fitted torso, often flaring into a skirt of varying length, and frequently adorned with numerous buttons that were both functional and decorative elements of 14th-century fashion.

Our reproduction is designed as a fashionable outer garment for 14th-century reenactors and those embodying a 14th-century persona. It is not quilted but is fully lined with 100% cotton canvas for comfort. The outer fabric is 100% recycled wool in a striking deep red colour. The sleeves are expertly cut in the 'grande assiette' style, ensuring it's comfortable to wear and offers exceptional freedom of movement; unlike the original, the sleeves on this reproduction do not feature buttons. The garment closes up the front with closely spaced self-fabric buttons, a detail popular throughout the Middle Ages and seen not only on the inspirational Charles de Blois pourpoint but also in countless medieval artworks.

Why Choose Wool for Your Medieval Attire?

Historically, wool was the most common fabric for garments such as cotehardies, doublets, and tunics in the medieval period. Its enduring popularity stems from several remarkable properties that make it ideal for clothing, even today:

• Natural Insulator: Wool fibres trap air, providing excellent insulation to keep you warm.
• Breathable Comfort: It keeps you warm without causing overheating, wicking moisture away from the body.
• Warm Even When Wet: Wool retains its warming properties even when damp and can shed water, making it a great choice for unpredictable weather.
• Water Resistance: While not fully waterproof, wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water before it feels wet, keeping you drier for longer in light rain.
• Durability: Wool is a naturally resilient and durable fabric, built to last through many an adventure.
• Flame-Resistant: It is naturally flame-resistant, offering a safer alternative to synthetic fabrics like polyester, especially important for living history events featuring campfires.

A Point of Interest: The "Grande Assiette" Sleeves

A key feature of this historically inspired cotehardie is the 'grande assiette' sleeve construction. This advanced tailoring technique involves a special cut of the armhole and shoulder, allowing for a significantly greater range of motion without the garment riding up or feeling restrictive. For active individuals, from swordsmen in mock battle to craftsmen at historical markets, this meant a crucial improvement in comfort and the overall functionality of their medieval clothing.

Care Instructions for Your Historical Garment

To maintain the beauty and longevity of your wool cotehardie, we recommend the following care:

• Washing: Hand wash in cold water using a mild detergent suitable for wool. This helps preserve the wool’s natural texture and colour.
• Drying: Lay the garment flat to air dry. Keep it out of direct sunlight to maintain fabric colour and strength. Do not tumble dry.
• Ironing: If necessary, iron on a low-medium heat setting (wool setting), preferably with a pressing cloth or use steam to smooth out wrinkles.
• Spot Cleaning: For small stains, use a damp cloth with a mild detergent. Avoid harsh scrubbing to protect the fabric.

Storing Your Garment for Lasting Beauty

When not wearing your cotehardie, store it ideally on a broad hanger to maintain its shape, or carefully folded in a dry, dark place. Protect it from moths using natural repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets to ensure your medieval investment lasts for years to come.

The 'Charles de Blois' Wool Cotehardie by Mythrojan seamlessly combines historical accuracy, comfort, and eco-conscious materials, making it an indispensable addition to your medieval wardrobe for reenactments, LARP events, medieval faires, or living history displays.

Product includes one (1) wool cotehardie. Other items and accessories shown in photographs are for illustrative purposes only and are not included.

Available Colours: Deep Red (100% recycled wool, as described), Natural (100% wool, sharing the same cut and features).

A quality Mythrojan product: Designed in the USA, Crafted in Nepal.