Fashion of the 15001600's in England
Fashion in England has gradually changed throughout the
years.
During the 1500-1600's, fashion was dependent upon
social classes.
Men during the 1500-1600's
wore much different things
than what we do today.
They wore tunics and
doublets reaching the knee,
belted at the waist and
stuffed in the chest and
upper sleeves.
Flat, wide hats were worn. Shirts
were cut full and gathered at the
wrists and necks. However, by the
end of this period, short, pumpkinshaped trunk hose were wore with
tight hose to show off a man's legs.
Men began wearing corsets to
slim the torso. They also
acquired the v-shaped waist
line, similar to what women
would have worn.
Peascod doublets became popular, as well as leg-ofmutton sleeves, short capes, and more vertical caps
often decorated with feathers.
Unlike the higher classes,
Peasants during the 15001600's didn't have a lot of
money.
Women wore long, full skirts
and long sleeved shirts, or
chemise. They had very plain
colors such as brown, gold and
rust.
Men peasants during this time
period wore plain boots,
breeches, a shirt, and a vest.
Peasants clothing were not what we would call
comfortable. They were rough and natural, like wool,
woven cotton, raw silk, flax, leather and linen.
Young children just wore a long shirt and a muslin cap.
Children a little older dressed as adults.
Women during the 1500-1600's began wearing high
waistlines, square necklines, and finestrella sleeves.
Waists continually lowered until they became extremely
low, tapered and v-shaped.
Women wore jewels, pearls, gold,
lace and techniques such as slashing
and puffing were used
unscrupulously.
Women's outfits were always
lavished with jewels, embroidery,
ribbons and lace.
Overall, Renaissance fashions were
characterized with anew scale of
opulence and extravagance. Fashions
truly reflected the love of art,
discovery, and new inventions that
defined the Renaissance.