Medieval costumes worn in the 11th century

William I 1066 - 1087

William II 1087 - 1100

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The years considered here cover the medieval period from just before the Conquest by William the Conqueror in 1066 until ...

Image of Norman woman

Women

Overview

The medieval woman of the Saxon and early Norman period wore loose fitting gowns that reached either just below the knee or down to the ground. Under the gown an undergown or chemise was worn that did reach to the ground. A belt made of wool or cloth was used to hold the gown in at the waist. The gown had an opening at the neck and large sleeves ending either near the elbow or at the wrist. The chemise had long sleeves tight fitted to the wrist. A cloak was worn over the shoulders and fastened with a brooch. On the head was worn a wimple. This piece of cloth covered the hair so that it could not be seen and was held in place with a band around the forehead.

Gown

Men

At the time of William the Conqueror medieval men, both Saxon and Norman, wore similar clothing. A man's tunic was generally either loose fitting or tight fitted like a knitted pullover. The loose fitting tunics could either be full length or finishing above the knee. They had a split a few inches in length at the neck. The sleeves were wide and loose fitting and finished just below the elbow. All of the tunic's edges were decorated with embroidery or coloured bands. The loose tunic was tied at the waist by a band. Beneath the tunics shirts, mainly white in colour, were worn. The shirts had long sleeves reaching to the wrists and the shirt could be seen above the neckline of the tunic.

Close fitting trousers of wool or cloth were worn on the legs. The trousers were bound at the knees and ankles by crossed garters of material to keep them close to the leg. On the feet woollen socks were worn and shoes were made of leather shaped to the foot.

A cloak made from a semicircular piece of material was also worn. The cloak was fastened with a brooch over the right shoulder or at the chest.

At the time of the Conquest a Norman man's hair was cut short and could even be shaved at the back of the head. The fashion for short hair died out and hair became long and beards were also grown.

Gradual changes occurred but Henry II (1154-1189) brought a shorter tunic into fashion. The king even got the nickname 'Curtmantle' in respect to the short mantle that he wore.

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