Medieval Clothing for Kids and Teens
Find dashing tunics, hoods, capes and accessories for your child’s medieval or Renaissance costume. This one-stop shop is ideal for turning children into knights, princesses and wizards.
Merchants played an important role in trading during the Middle Ages. The unique attire they wore reflected their social status, trade specialization and regional influences.
Practical Considerations
The Middle Ages was a time of knights, castles and kings, but also significant social, political and cultural changes. Fashion was an integral part of this transformation, a powerful symbol of power and status that clearly delineated social hierarchy.
Nobility, church officials and the emerging bourgeoisie could afford rich fabrics such as silks and velvets, dyed in vibrant colours and trimmed lavishly with fur. By contrast, peasantry wore simple woollen garments in natural or muted shades.
The medieval world regarded men and women as fundamentally different, with clear differences in their roles and styles of dress. Those who want to create a realistic medieval look therefore need to carefully consider the gender of the person they are dressing as. For example, women should not wear men’s clothing unless they are aiming for a specific role like Joan of Arc.
Regional Variations
Across medieval Europe, there were significant variations in the style and design of merchant clothing. These variations were often based on regional culture and fashion traditions, as well as the unique sartorial needs of individual traders. Nevertheless, certain elements of merchant attire were consistently present throughout the region. These elements served practical purposes, and they communicated a merchant’s trade specialization, wealth, and membership in a particular guild or association.
Clothing materials were also important, as these could have an impact on a garment’s longevity and comfort on long journeys. Wool was a popular choice because it was durable, provided warmth in cold climates, and easily absorbed moisture from sweat. Alternatively, linen was used for undergarments and summer clothing because it was lightweight and breathable.
For men, a typical outfit consisted of a long tunic and breeches. Women’s clothing included a smock, kirtle or gown, surcoat, and hooded cape. This ensemble was richly adorned with embroidery and fur trims to convey status and wealth.
Style and Design
Unlike the flamboyant fashion of the nobility and clergy, the clothing of commoners tells a tale of practicality, resourcefulness, and subtle personal expression within societal norms. Wool was a staple material for clothing, providing warmth in cold climates and durable construction. Linen, a more delicate fabric, was also popular for undergarments and summer garments. Leather was used for shoes and simple protective gear.
The development of international trade brought in new fabrics, patterns, and designs that influenced the styles of merchant clothing. Symbolism was an important element of the sartorial language of merchant clothing, with bright colors and lavish fur trimmings indicating wealth and status. The quality and durability of medieval merchant clothes were factors that endured to modern times, and some design elements like pockets and belts remain in wide use today. The influence of medieval attire is still seen in many of the costumes worn at Renaissance fairs and other historical reenactments. Browse our wide selection of Medieval and Renaissance costume clothing to find the perfect look for your next event!
Accessories
Clothing accessories such as belts, hats and jewelry were used to add style to an outfit. They also showcased a merchant’s wealth and trade specialization. In addition, a variety of accessories were used to protect from the weather and other elements of travel such as sand and dirt.
Regional variations also existed in the fabric and design of medieval clothing. Wool was a popular material as it was readily available and provided warmth in cold climates. Silk was often worn by wealthy merchants to highlight their status. Local dyes such as lichen and onion peel were also utilized for color.
We have a wide selection of medieval costumes and accessories to help complete your LARP, SCA or theatrical costume. Our collection includes dresses, tunics and robes in muted colors for a peasant look and vivid colors for a dramatic princess or queen. We also carry child costumes that are designed with the same attention to detail and quality as our bestselling adult garments.