DATES:1450-1500 AD Renaissance Costume History
Around the 1490's is when costume historians can agree that the new dress for Renaissance began.
This was the period of clothing that could be said that excessiveness in all areas of costume began.
Different countries took the news styles differently.
For instance, the northern European countries were distorting the natural figure by padding sleeves, doublets and stockings.
Italy did not go as far as the North, and England and France followed Italy's lead while they stuck to more medieval influenced styles.
Germans went to the greatest extremes making improvements on the natural silhouette.
They put large puffs at the head, shoulders, thighs; small puffs, like boils, over chest, back, arms, legs and feet.
Clothing at this time followed suit with all other types of creative expression at this timeit went over the top into new discoveries.
Permanent characteristics in all countries are summarized as thus: rich heavy materials, in voluminous amount, large sleeves, close body garments, large hip-clothing, wide-toed, heelless shoes and covered heads masculine and feminine.
The could be straight or curled according to the nature of the wearer.
As the sixteenth century advanced men wore their hair shorter almost like modern hair.
The men wore variations of the low-crowned, brimmed cap and was often turned up all around or with just one side turned up.
Women either wore their hair with elaborate structures in their hair like the Germans or with just a kerchief.
They looked like what we associate dress of the Puritans.
Black velvet was a staple fabric of the period, especially in headdresses.
White linen was another accent against colors of gold and burgundy for collars and wrist ruffles.
Notable Renaissance Costume Elements
Nether HoseThe stockings that covered the lower edges of the leg.
Its essentials were the piece that goes over the front part of the head and covers the ears and the veil or bag cap covering the rest of the head.
With the formal styles of this headdress, no hair was visible, that at the forehead being covered with rolls or folds of cloth.
There were however, linen coifs shaped in the same outline which left the parted hair visible on the forehead.
The kennel consisted of a stiff plane covered with rich material, pieces of which extended down the sides and might be pinned back on themselves.
Bridged SleevesSleeves created by tying segments together at a bridge often bridged at the shoulder.
Cod PieceA pouch like appendage made from the same fabric as the jerkin or upper stocks and fastened by ties or buckles; a decorated covering for the opening in the front of the breeches; forerunner of the fly.
Simar(re)A robe for men, derived from chimer or chimere, and ecclesiastical garment very much like it in shape.
The neck part was somewhat on a double breasted line, with no collar in back, but with wide revers turned back from the front edge of the robe.
The robe was worn either ungirded or confined at the waist by a narrow silk scarf, knotted with one loop and two ends.
Slashing and PuffingVertical, horizontal or diagonal slits in the fabric of the garment, through which appeared a different fabric.
Order of the GarterAn honor bestowed by the King and the person was given a special garter to wear.
Chain of OfficeA heavy chain worn by a man across the chest and neckline as decoration; often denoted an organization to which he belonged.
Interesting other links to this period http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/games/costumes/costume1.html
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