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 remained a symbol of medieval simplicity and functionality.

The Bockstein Tunic is a unique example of medieval clothing that provides valuable information about the cut and tailoring techniques used in the 14th century. It was discovered along with the remains of the so-called Bocksten Man in Swedish marshes.

The tunic had a simple yet functional design – consisting of several pieces of fabric sewn together to allow for freedom of movement. Its distinctive features included inset gussets that widened the lower part of the garment, and fitted sleeves that allowed for comfortable wear during work and travel. It was a practical garment for both peasants and townspeople, forming the basis of medieval fashion at the time.

The Medieval Tunic Today
In historical reconstruction, 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 of them captures the atmosphere of the era and works perfectly both in everyday historical styling and during reenactment events.