Medieval Velvet Dress Cotte And Surcoat With Fur Trim

Medieval Velvet Dress Cotte And Surcoat With Fur Trim

History And Use Of The Historical Dress

This historical costume is fundamentally based on European court fashion of the 14th and 15th centuries. During the High and Late Middle Ages, layering clothes became the strongest symbol of wealth and prestige. The foundation of this ensemble is the underdress, known as a cotte, which features long, narrow sleeves and falls elegantly to the ground, creating a very slender silhouette. Over it is worn the outer dress, or surcoat, which is practically and stylishly open at the front. Its dominant features are the long, funnel-shaped expanding sleeves, into which hands could be safely hidden from the biting frost. The bodice and sleeve edges of the surcoat are richly lined with fur. This not only looks absolutely beautiful and demonstrates the wearer's immense wealth, but it also provided noblewomen with much-needed warmth in the cold, draughty halls of stone castles. The set is tastefully completed with a period cap, as a woman with uncovered hair in public was considered entirely inappropriate in medieval society. The primary material used is highly breathable and comfortable cotton velvet.

Parameters Of The Historical Ensemble

Available Sizes And Colours

This garment is custom-made in other colours upon request according to these fabric swatches. Please note the desired colour or colours in the comment field of your order. Always state (1) the swatch number, (2) the colour letter, and (3) the colour name (e.g., 03-A-yellow). Should you choose a fabric with a different composition, there may be a change in price. Any potential price adjustment will always be consulted with you before the actual processing of the order.

These period dresses in autumn colours are available in standard ready-to-wear sizes according to this size chart. The garment is tailored exactly to your measurements at no extra charge. In such a case, please fill out this measurement chart after completing your order.

Care And Maintenance

Since the garment is made of velvet and complemented with fur trims, it requires very delicate maintenance. Never wash the dress in a washing machine or dry it in a tumble dryer to avoid damaging the fabric's fine texture, crushing the velvet pile, and causing unwanted shrinkage. We strongly recommend that you entrust the garment exclusively to professionals at a dry cleaner. Minor dry dirt can be lightly brushed out with a soft brush in the direction of the velvet pile. Do not iron the fabric directly with a standard iron; if necessary, only smooth it very carefully with a handheld garment steamer from the reverse side. Store the garment hanging on a wide hanger in a dry and dark environment so that the rich colours do not fade over time. You can find detailed cleaning and maintenance instructions here.

Recommended Accessories

To perfectly accompany this gorgeous Late Medieval ensemble, we highly recommend purchasing a period leather belt and stylish turnshoe leather footwear. We would like to explicitly point out that the metal clasp holding the surcoat together in the accompanying photographs is not included with the delivery of the dress. Therefore, do not forget to add one of our historical brooches or cloak clasps from the 14th or 15th century to your basket for the secure and authentic fastening of the outer garment.