Men’s Clothing in the Middle Ages – A Brief History

Men’s clothing in the Middle Ages changed with the times, but for centuries its foundation remained the tunic – a universal item worn by both peasants and knights.

In the early Middle Ages, the tunic was simple, loose, and reached to the knees or calves. Made of linen or wool, tied with a belt, it constituted the everyday attire of most men. On colder days, a second, thicker tunic and a cloak fastened with a brooch were worn.

In the 12th and 13th centuries, more fitted styles appeared, with gussets and set-in sleeves, which allowed for freedom of movement while also accentuating the figure. Wealthier men adorned their tunics with embroidery and trim.

In the 14th century, the tunic became more form-fitting, with narrower sleeves and a clearly defined waist. Tunics were increasingly made from several contoured sections, allowing for a slimmer silhouette. Richer materials, padding, and decorative trim also appeared in fashion, distinguishing the attire of the wealthy from everyday wear.

The Medieval Tunic Today
In historical reenactment, the tunic is a fundamental element of clothing – comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and faithful to historical patterns. In our workshop, we sew tunics from natural fabrics: linen and wool, based on archaeological and iconographic sources. Each one captures the atmosphere of the period and is perfect for both everyday historical styling and reenactment events.

Bodleian Library MS. Bodl. 264, 14th century