Medieval clothing depended largely on the social and economic status of the wearer.  Poorer individuals had to settle for less comfortable varieties of clothing.  A peasant in the medieval age, or worse yet the Dark Ages, was typically relegated to wearing rags.  Wool was the most common material of the day, with scratchy undergarments the order of the day.  Clothes were almost never washed.  At the upper end of the economic scale, royalty often wore extravagant clothing to show off their status and wealth.

Upper scale medieval clothing revolved around the latest fashions and trends.  In fact, much medieval clothing was really about showing off wealth.  Intended more as a display of wealth, royal medieval clothing commonly featured elaborate styling and extravagant flourishes.  Long trains and elaborate jewelry typically complemented womens clothing of the time.  Medieval clothing of men was often times just as elaborate as the womens.

If you have seen any of the medieval fancy dress clothing, common in movies such as Braveheart, this extravagant display of wealth through clothing is an easily recognizable feature of that time period.

For poorer denizens of the medieval ages, utility was far more important than style or comfort.  At the opposite end of the spectrum, people in the royalty of the time focused on style much more than utility or even comfort.  Styles changed just as frequently as it does today, or perhaps even more so.

For those looking to reproduce the look should try a search for medieval fancy dress, websites like Mens Fancy Dress (mensfancydress.org.uk) are great places to start.  Although focusing primarily on renaissance clothing, mensfancydress.org.uk can supply affordable Medieval clothing as well.  The inventory is extremely inclusive, and the prices are frequently very affordable.  20, 30, 40, and even 50% clearances are commonly seen.  Because of these huge discounts, Medieval clothing is commonly very affordable, and the reproductions available at renstore.com are known to be very accurate and true to life.

With several styles of all time periods, mensfancydress.org.uk can be a great place to find everything needed.  The reproductions available at renstore.com have a focus on authenticity and quality.  Combine that with frequent clearances and affordable prices, and renstore.com can serve as a real one stop shopping experience.

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