Garters – a Practical and Decorative Detail of Medieval Clothing

In the Middle Ages, garters were an essential element of clothing. They were used to hold up leggings, which were worn under long dresses or tunics. They were most often belts made of wool, linen, or silk, tied below or above the knee, depending on the cut of the garment and the fashion of the era.

Although they served a practical purpose, over time they also began to be ornamental – embellished with embossing, threads of colored yarn, or metal tips. For the wealthy, garters could signify status and attention to detail.

Today, faithfully recreated medieval garters are not only a part of historical reenactments but also a subtle accent, demonstrating the thoughtful and elegant design of even the simplest medieval wardrobe accessories.