Medieval Shirts

One of the oldest findings of the garment made of woven fabric is a linen shirt at Egyptian tomb at Tarkan, going as deep as 3000 BC in historical layers. Even this early in registered mankind chronicles, its construction resembled medieval shirts – the upper-body piece of clothing had sleeves and was rather loose.

No need to highlight the importance of undergarments: their role is as essential in modern world as it was in medieval times and even before. However, without laundromats it was much easier to wash a thin shirt than a leather jacket or a gambeson.

During the Middle Ages shirt was a typical men's underwear (as compared to women’s chemises) and was kept out of sight. Only humble members of society could be seen wearing just an undershirt. Later it peeps out shyly in parts, such as collar and cuffs. Collars step forward in the 16th century with embroidered motifs and then flourish up to jabots.

What did medieval shirts look like?

Medieval shirts, often called chemises or tunics, were usually worn as the basic layer of the entire Middle Ages garment. These shirts were typically made from linen or wool and had a simple silhouette: loose fit, long sleeves, and length to the knees or below. They traditionally had a round or V-shaped neckline, sometimes with a few decorative stitches.
Later, shirts became more diverse and featured different styles to reflect social status. Wealthier people wore finer materials and had more complex designs, including embellishments such as embroidery or dyes.

What's a typical Viking shirt?

Viking shirts resembled medieval shirts with a loose fit and long sleeves, but the length varied from knee to mid-thigh. The neckline was also different: it had a round or key shape and was often fastened with a brooch or lacing.
For men, tunics might have a belt at the waist, contributing to unrestricted movements and comfort while doing physical work or fighting. Women's tunics were similar but often more decorated, with embroidery or contrasting colors. Length and decorations reflected the wealth and social status of the wearer. For example, poor people didn't waste material on extra length and used the simplest trimmings, such as braids on the necklines. Wealthier people used silk as trimmings, which at that time was imported and cost a lot.

What shirts did men and women wear during the Renaissance?

In the time of the Renaissance, men typically wore a linen or cotton shirt that was loose-fit, had long sleeves, and a round or open neckline. These shirts often extended to mid-thigh and were commonly worn under elaborate vests and jackets. The shirt's sleeves could be gathered at the wrists and sometimes decorated with ruffles or cuffs. Women's shirts, called underdresses or chemises, were made from linen too, with a loose, flowing design that extended to the ankles or slightly above. They also had long sleeves and a round neckline, often with some embroidery. Women's chemises were worn under bodices and skirts.

Near is my shirt, but nearer is my skin

Developing a persona, we usually focus on a final appearance, however the basic layer of clothing is really essential for our comfort. Skin of modern person is used to soft synthetic fabrics most of us wear in everyday life. So instead of stressing your skin with harsh field conditions at a long-lasting festival you can buy medieval shirt made of thin linen, breathable and smooth to the touch. Or a bunch of them: there is definitely no need in giving the shirt off your back as prices in our medieval shirts store are a welcome surprise. Pay your attention instead on the features distinguishing us from fellow-professionals:

• high quality natural flax linen
• manual work of our seamstresses
• tailor made items for those looking for fit without a wrinkle
• items from stock for those in a hurry
• unique designs inspired by historical sources though differentiating you from your campmates and strangers at SCA gathering, Renaissance Fair or at any other medieval event.

We offer medieval shirts of viking, classic medieval, norman and Renaissance styles and expect even more to broaden the range!