Women's Gothic Crusader Dress with Velvet Surcoat

Women's Gothic Crusader Dress with Velvet Surcoat and Wimple

Historical Context and Usage of the Dress

This women's garment faithfully reflects the fashion trends of the High and Late Gothic periods, specifically the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries. The underdress (cotte) with its long, narrow sleeves tightly hugged the figure. Worn over it was the surcoat (surcote) – a sleeveless overdress, the armholes of which gradually increased in size over the centuries. The cross motif on the chest clearly references the Crusades and the deep Christian faith of the nobility of the time. The wimple (gorget) covering the neck and hair, complemented by a decorative crown, was an absolutely essential symbol of a married or respectable adult woman of noble birth during this period. This ensemble is ideal for historical reenactment, period banquets, LARP, and medieval markets.

Material Care and Maintenance

The costume is crafted from a combination of high-quality materials that require specific and gentle care. The outer surcoat is made of genuine cotton velvet and lined with faux fur, therefore it is strongly recommended that its cleaning be left exclusively to a professional dry cleaner. Velvet must not be ironed directly with a classic iron to prevent permanent flattening of the pile; to smooth out any creases, it is advisable to use only a vertical garment steamer from the reverse side. The cotton underdress and wimple can be washed very gently by hand at temperatures up to 30 °C. Never tumble dry the garment and under no circumstances use bleach.

Sizes, Colours, and Custom Tailoring

This medieval costume is available as standard in ready-to-wear sizes according to our size charts. However, it can be made exactly to measure at no extra charge to ensure a perfect fit. After completing the order, simply fill out the corresponding measurement chart. Furthermore, upon request, the dress can be sewn in other colour variants according to our fabric swatch books. The desired colour must be stated in the comment field of the order. It is necessary to always write the swatch book number, the letter of the colour, and its name (for example, 03-A-yellow). When choosing a fabric with a different composition, the price may be slightly adjusted, which will be consulted with you before production begins.

Recommended Accessories

To achieve an absolutely flawless 13th or 14th-century historical appearance, we recommend complementing this garment with a narrow leather belt and Gothic leather shoes. These accessories are not included in the basic delivery of the costume.

Technical Parameters of the Costume