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 and 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 Late Middle Ages (14th and 15th centuries), tunics became increasingly shorter and tighter, often fastened with buttons, until they eventually gave way to doublets and caftans. Despite this, the classic tunic remains a symbol of medieval simplicity and functionality.

Herjólfsnes is one of the most important Norwegian settlements in southern Greenland, renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval finds. The site was excavated in 1921 by Danish archaeologist Poul Nørlund, when coastal erosion threatened the loss of the burial ground and historical monuments. A number of well-preserved artifacts were discovered at the time.

The Medieval Tunic Today
In historical reenactment, the tunic is a fundamental element of clothing – comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and faithful to ancient 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.

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