RENAISSANCE & MEDIEVAL GOWNS |
Women's Complete Renaissance Costumes • Bodices • Gowns & Overdresses
Blouses & Chemises • Skirts • Undergarments • Shoes & Boots • Capes & Cloaks
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The kirtle, a long fitted garment that reached all the way to the feet, resembled a long fitted dress without any seams at the waist. It was a very simple cut and style, closely related to the garments of Elizabeth's grandfather, Henry VII's, court. This style was not generally popular among fashionable women, but might be worn around the house or perhaps beneath another garment such as the popular Spanish Surcoate, a long flowing loose gown.
The second, and most popular style among the fashionable, was the gown, essentially a bodice and skirt sewn, or laced, together. The gown was usually worn over a sleeveless bodice (corset), farthingale and bum roll. This was the richest form of garment available and would be made of velvet, damask, or another silken fabric. The bodice of a gown would frequently be heavily adorned with embroidery (jewels were not uncommon among the wealthiest) and might feature tie-in sleeves and a second set of false hanging sleeves that hung down at the back for decoration. The front of the skirt would often be split to reveal a richly decorated petticoat beneath.
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