Women's Tavern Wench Costume Adelina

Medieval Women's Tavern Wench Costume Adelina with Lacing

Historical Context and Usage

This layered garment is loosely inspired by the everyday clothing of commoners, townswomen, and peasant women from the High to Late Middle Ages, roughly from the 13th to the 15th century. During this time, a long linen chemise (shift) formed the foundation of the wardrobe, over which outer layers were worn. A bodice combined with a wide skirt was incredibly practical. The ability to tuck up the overskirt and fasten it (as you can see in the photographs) was not just an aesthetic fashion choice. Women did this to protect the hem from dirt while working in the fields, at the market, or in the kitchen. Today, you will find this costume perfect for historical re-enactment, medieval markets, LARP, and as a theatrical peasant costume.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The costume consists of three main parts: a bodice that flows seamlessly into the overskirt, and a separate underskirt. All parts can be made from your choice of 100% cotton or warm 100% wool. The hems of the bodice and the underskirt are decorated with a rustic jute trim, which gives the entire garment an authentic, natural appearance. The lacings allow for flexible tightening and beautifully shape the silhouette.

Care and Maintenance

If you choose the 100% cotton variant, we recommend washing the garment by hand or in the washing machine on a very gentle cycle at temperatures up to 30 °C (86 °F). For the wool variant, we exclusively recommend professional dry cleaning or a very gentle hand wash in cold water using a special wool detergent. Never wring out the fabrics by twisting, and do not tumble dry them, as this could cause shrinkage. Cotton can be ironed inside out on a medium setting; it is best not to iron wool at all, or only through a damp pressing cloth.

Important Note and Recommended Accessories

Please be aware that the white under-blouse (chemise), the fabric coif, and any jewelry shown in the photographs are not included in the delivery. You will receive the bodice, the overskirt, and the underskirt.

To make your medieval look absolutely perfect, we highly recommend wearing a simple white cotton or linen blouse with short or long sleeves underneath the bodice. For historical accuracy, it is advisable to complete the costume with a linen coif or cap, a narrow leather belt, a coin pouch, and simple leather turnshoes corresponding to 14th-century fashion.

Technical Parameters

Custom Modifications and Tailoring

Upon request, we will gladly tailor this Tavern Wench Costume for you in other colour combinations according to our fabric swatches. Please note the desired colour(s) in the comment field of your order in the following format: (1) swatch number, (2) colour letter, and (3) colour name (e.g., 03-A-Yellow). Selecting a fabric with a different composition may result in a price adjustment, which we will consult with you before processing the order.

The costume is available in standard sizes (measured in both centimetres and inches) according to our size chart. We will also make it exactly to your custom measurements at no extra charge – simply complete our custom measurement form after placing your order.