Medieval Dress & Cotehardie "Ava" with Front Lacing – Brown

Medieval Dress & Cotehardie "Ava" with Front Lacing – Brown

Design and Features

The dress features a fitted bodice that flares out from the hips into a generous skirt, thanks to the insertion of gores (triangular fabric wedges). This construction ensures you have plenty of freedom of movement for walking or dancing. The focal point is the functional lacing at the centre front. A sturdy cotton cord with points (aiglets) is threaded through embroidered eyelets, allowing you to adjust the fit perfectly to your shape. While lacing up takes a moment longer than modern fastenings, it provides an authentically snug fit.

Historical Context: The "Bold" Coat

The Cotehardie emerged in France and spread across Europe between the 13th and 15th centuries. The name roughly translates to "bold coat" or "daring cotte," likely because it was one of the first garments to reveal the contours of the body rather than drape loosely over them. Lacing or buttons became essential during this period to achieve this fitted look. Illustrations of similar garments can be found in the famous 15th-century manuscript, Les Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry.

Size Chart

To find your correct size, please measure your chest circumference horizontally at the widest point. If you fall between two sizes, we recommend choosing the larger one, as the canvas fabric does not stretch.

Care Instructions

To keep your dress looking its best:

• Machine wash at 40°C (104°F) on a gentle cycle.
• Important: Remove the light-coloured lacing cord before washing and wash it separately to prevent the brown dye from running onto it.
• Do not tumble dry; let the dress air dry naturally.

Please Note: This listing is for the brown outer dress only. The white underdress (chemise) and other accessories shown in the image are sold separately.

We suggest pairing this Cotehardie with a simple natural-coloured underdress and a leather belt for a complete historical ensemble.