Far Isles BC - Library - Basic Clothing

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Basic Medieval Clothing

Linda J. Doerksen

(in FIBC, Ysabel de Launay)

This is a list of suggested clothing and accessories that fit well with the Far Isles BC Research Society concept of re-creating the feudal structure of the Middle Ages. All this will change as more information surfaces, but the information on the lower classes will not change so much, as they did not have to struggle so hard to be fashionable.

Note that the initial ideas are Liz's (I'll put her full name here, once I know it), and that I've added and subtracted here and there... So all errors are mine alone.

None of this is firm, carved in stone, or accepted by Far Isles BC as a whole! This is only musing on my part, inspired by Liz's handout, and should not be followed without further investigation on your part.

Commons, initial level

This level of clothing and accessories is ideal for those who have never played medievally and require guidance and/or assistance, or are developing a new persona, or are experienced and desire to adopt this rank for the fun of it. (This can be a lot of fun, especially the grovelling part... I managed to weird out a sizeable number of people with excessive grovelling!)

Acquisitions needed to play adequately:

  • simple clothes and underclothes, possibly in "household" colors (most, if not all, people will enter Far Isles BC through a Level One group); if no time/culture has yet been chosen, suggest 1300's Europe as being useful starting point
    • men - sleeveless undersherte with cotton or linen sherte, and trews or cotton pants with drawstring (or elastic); I would also add a tunic of simple construction for comfort's sake
    • women - sleeveless chemise with long cotton or linen gown having long, loose sleeves that may be rolled up
  • boots
  • cloak that can be used as a blanket
  • trencher or bowl, spoon, knife, handle-less cup
  • bedding (camping events)
  • wooden stool (camping events)
  • (opt. tabard in "household" colors provided by "household")

Commons, established

This is where I expect the majority of us should be.
This section is for those with some experience and have learned the basics for this group; or are experienced but desire to adopt this rank. At this point, you may want to adopt, in play or "truth", a trade (e.g. tanner, who may not actually tan hides; draper, who actually deals in cloth and dry goods)

Station: townsfolk, craftsmen, farmers, traders, merchants
Address: (name), my good man/woman, goodman, goodwife

Add these acquisititions:

  • clothes may be of a finer-quality fabric (women's gowns esp.)
    • women: add a headcloth
    • men: may add a second undersherte and a medieval tunic, and perhaps drawers and hose
  • a chest to store goods, possibly to a household pattern, with cushion to make it a seat
  • medieval shoes and pattens; gartered hose
  • coif/hood/headcloth
  • opt. chausible
  • opt. sleeping accommodation (up to 10'x10'); my suggestion, if the majority of us are in this rank... we need a place to sleep!

Gentry

I'm not at all certain if and how this works, as this is considered a rank below Nobility. This may well be our Level One group heads (Reeves of villages, Mayors of towns, Guildmasters, etc.). Note that all this is -not- accepted by Far Isles BC, but only a suggestion. Station: Knight-Bachelor and Lady; Guild Masters
Address: Sir/Lady, lord, lady, master, mistress (though the last refers to any woman who runs a house)

May add these acquisitions:

  • arms on banner
  • Knight to have sword; Lady a more elaborate headdress and/or short veil
  • clothes will be of a better quality (cottons and linens finely woven, wools smooth; all more richly colored)
  • embroidery on gowns
  • untrimmed half-circle cloak
  • fur collars; long hanging sleeves
  • gloves & gauntlets
  • simple rings, brooches, narrow circlets
  • 10'x10' private pavilion (I think 20x20 is overdoing it...)
  • another pavilion for kitchen and public living area (10'x10'?)
  • bed; chairs; guest seating

Nobility

This rank goes far beyond my understanding, and, possibly, beyond the majority of us, anyway. But maybe you've got the idea, now...

Linda J. Doerksen is known in Far Isles BC Research Society as Ysabel de Launay

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