15th-century soldiers' gowns

[Tibbie Croser]

The short gowns of common soldiers and archers in 15th-century art appear to fit very snugly over armor, but it's hard to see how and where they are fastened. Does anyone know how the gowns were fastened? Were the gowns tailored for each individual?

[James B.]

There are a number of different styles of gowns in this era; some might simply pull over the armor.

Looking at civilian gowns lacing rings sewn to the back and hook n eyes are both seen in artwork.

[Tibbie Croser]

Thank you, James. I hoped you'd reply. For the soldiers' gowns that pulled over the armor, would they have been as snug in real life as they are depicted in illustrations from Froissart, for example?

[chef de chambre]

They would likely be belted in by the soldiers accouterments, which would give a reasonable fit.

I'd actually suggest contacting either Jorge Kellerman of St. Luke's Guild, or the Company of St. George. There are some good sources not in English that the latter could help you with.

[James B.]

Thank you, James. I hoped you'd reply. For the soldiers' gowns that pulled over the armor, would they have been as snug in real life as they are depicted in illustrations from Froissart, for example?

It could be mostly snug, make it without lots of excess but not skin tight either and if it is fulled wool it could simply stretch over slightly larger areas. This is not the easy method to get on or off; lacing would be best for that.

Companie of St George has a good clothing guide as Chef suggests; pages 24-29 go over livery:

http://www.companie-of-st-george.ch/cms ... e_Download