The Difference in Clothing

Greenshield · Post by **Greenshield** » Mon Aug 25, 2003 8:02 am

I have posted this question on another list and have copied it here. Hope you don't mind...

With Hastings UK and MD(USA) slowly approaching I have begun to get my kit
in order. My lady has kindly offered to sew tunics for me and it got me to thinking.

What were the major (and minor) differences in dress between the Normans and the Saxon English and, for that matter, the vikings of
Hardradda in and around the time of 1066.

I'm guessing it must be more than slit tunics, winingas, hair cuts and facial hair.

So, all you experts and arm chair historians, lets hear what you have to say. I'm sure there are some first timers that could use the help. I for one could use the information.

Many thanks,

S/W

James B. · Post by **James B.** » Mon Aug 25, 2003 11:08 am

Some theorize that Normans wore chausses and hosen instead of trousers. I wear chausses and wrap my legs in an x crossing fashion instead of wrapping the winingas

The split tunic is also a debate among Norman re-enactors. I can see the tighter fitting ring shirt having the split but I find splitting the tunic unnecessary because it is only knee length and with the proper 4 gores that most tunics seem to have it has ample room to sit on a horse. I also personally have not seen an image on the Bayux (sp?) tapestry to convince me on splinting the tunic. Not sure how the British re-enactors view this, they may not allow the splits or they may demand it.

Flonzy

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Cheap garb is as bad as plastic armor.
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Rev. George · Post by **Rev. George** » Mon Aug 25, 2003 5:04 pm

RE norman tunics:

From what I've seen (Iconographically) a case could be made for a 2 gored tunic for the mormans, as the, albeit bad resolution, images dont show the try of drape indicative of a 4 gore tunic.

That said, it wouldn't affect the mobility, only the drape.

-+G