Design Inspiration
The images found below (figure 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5) illustrate different outfits worn in the medieval period. Each figure displays different medieval peasants attire, and are annotated to inform of how these images have been used to produce a new component of the outfit, the dress. Peasants wore clothing of cheap, rough fabric as the better the fabric the more wealth the individuals had. The dress is the main component to a medieval peasant’s clothing, worn with an undergarment, and in the colder periods, a cape.
![Picture](/uploads/2/9/5/8/29580765/4994858.png?183)
Wearing a dress over an under garment was a very common part of the medieval fashion. Whatever the sleeve length of the undergarment was, the dress was sleeveless with thick straps. It was often that the dress was a coloured item of clothing, usually dark greens, reds and blues, if not browns. The lace or rope was used to tie the dress and tighten it to individual sizes. Commonly known as a gusset, this allowed the dresses to fit more sizes and bodily changes. This rope was usually make of leather or a thick rope.
![Picture](/uploads/2/9/5/8/29580765/2179738.png?159)
This image demonstrates the components, which are evident in a medieval peasants outfit. The dress was never floor length. The length of the dress was above ankle and below knee, which displays modesty, whilst not being able to afford a full-length dress. The neckline of the dress was commonly squared, with the undergarment sitting higher. The red with the white/off white undergarments was a popular coloured outfit for medieval peasants.
![Picture](/uploads/2/9/5/8/29580765/7008787.png?250)
The neckline and straps of this dress were a common aspect of medieval peasants fashion. The gussets on the sides are also a distinct part of the dress, although they look better when under the arms, so they are not as obvious from behind. The corset-like top of the dress was a common trend in the medieval fashion, although this demonstrated wealth more then what a typical peasant would have worn. The gussets on the sides enhance the shape of the female peasant as they didn’t have the corset top. The dress of the medieval peasant was not usually floor length, as this was also a demonstration of one’s wealth. The peasants dress would usually sit about the ankle.
References:
Figure 1.1:
Learner.org,. (2015). The Middle Ages -- More About Clothing. Retrieved 1 May 2015, from http://www.learner.org/interactives/middleages/morcloth.html
Figure 1.2:
Medievalcollectibles.com,. (2015). Peasant Clothing, Peasant Dresses and Peasant Belts by Medieval Collectibles. Retrieved 1 May 2015, from http://www.medievalcollectibles.com/s-48-peasant-clothing.aspx
Figure 1.3:
Th09.deviantart.net,. (2015). Retrieved 2 May 2015, from http://th09.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2011/334/1/5/blue_peasant_dress_by_celefindel-d4hqn8a.jpg
Figure 1.4 & 1.5
Imgkid.com,. (2015). Images For > Medieval Peasant Dresses. Retrieved 2 May 2015, from http://imgkid.com/medieval-peasant-dresses.shtml
Figure 1.1:
Learner.org,. (2015). The Middle Ages -- More About Clothing. Retrieved 1 May 2015, from http://www.learner.org/interactives/middleages/morcloth.html
Figure 1.2:
Medievalcollectibles.com,. (2015). Peasant Clothing, Peasant Dresses and Peasant Belts by Medieval Collectibles. Retrieved 1 May 2015, from http://www.medievalcollectibles.com/s-48-peasant-clothing.aspx
Figure 1.3:
Th09.deviantart.net,. (2015). Retrieved 2 May 2015, from http://th09.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2011/334/1/5/blue_peasant_dress_by_celefindel-d4hqn8a.jpg
Figure 1.4 & 1.5
Imgkid.com,. (2015). Images For > Medieval Peasant Dresses. Retrieved 2 May 2015, from http://imgkid.com/medieval-peasant-dresses.shtml