Medieval Underwear Chemise “Grace” 

Fine linen undergarment tunic with textile rope bordering

What’s under the dress? You’d be wrong to think that there’s nothing at all. Since ancient times, it has been common to wear a layer of fabric between your skin and outer clothes - chemise, underdresses, nightgowns, corsets, pantaloons, and in modern times: underwear!

This layer has important work to do: it’s a protective barrier between sweat and your clothing while also shielding your sensitive skin from the often rougher textiles of your outerwear. It also serves to keep you warm, as well as hide your bare skin from unwelcome glances in places where there may be a gap in lacing or buttons.

So, even where a modern human could have stayed naked: in a bath, in bed, swimming in a river; in the Middle Ages, a chemise was a multipurpose garment that acted a swimsuit, pajamas, and even sexy underwear.

Though it wasn’t always overtly written about, throughout the ages people have always had sex. The level of sexual tension between lovers was the same, but the language of emotions was different - not the emotions themselves.

These moments of ancient desire were perhaps more subdued than what we experience today - two hands accidentally touching as you stand side by side, a knight glimpsing the exposed arms of a maiden who would usually be covered, a flash of skin through a thin chemise - but still akin to modern lust, like receiving a photo of your lover in sexy lingerie.

Nevertheless, the chemise was a regular and a casual part of the outfit - not just to attract handsome knights, but also for more practical reasons. It is way easier to wash a thin chemise than a heavy coat or robe.

This chemise is sleeveless with open shoulders, a soft neckline, and a regular fit. As well as many other ArmStreet dresses, this one has a wide skirt: 3.5 to 4 yards (3.1 - 3.9 meters) along the bottom depending on the size. It has a high waistline and small loops in the seams on the back to hold a rope lacing that can be wrapped around as a belt or under the breast.

The decollete zone is decorated with a textile rope bordering, a subtle accent that shows the quality of the work and emphasizes the status of the owner. The straps are also made of the same fabric rope weaving. The chemise is supposed to be floor-length but can be made shorter by request. The material is also very special, this is softened flax linen we offer in a variety of colors.

To check how to measure yourself please click here.

Please contact us if you have any additional questions.