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medieval period (roughly 400s to beginning of the 1500s) is a prime era in which
to study how social structures and outside forces influence and change the
clothing worn by people. In the beginning of the era, medieval clothing styles
did not change very much. The styles reflected the clothing worn in the fallen
Roman Empire and practicality as demanded by medieval life. By the final stages
of the era, Europeans developed increasingly intricate styles of clothing;
styles used more and more to make social statements. During Roman rule, Europe
had stable market systems and maintained roads. Following the fall of the Roman
Empire, most of these advantages faded away due to struggles between invading
factions. From the 400s to the 900s, particularly in Northern Europe, ethnic
groups roamed around, occupying and dominating their neighbors. The far-reaching
markets and roads of the Romans waned throughout Europe. Consequently, the
steady outflow and inflow of products with other locations slowed considerably.
During the first part of the medieval period, Europeans constructed their
clothes with the products in their possession, typically wool, linen, and hemp.
Some silk filtered in from the east. While the tunics of the lower and upper
classes were similar in style, the upper classes dressed in higher quality
clothing. In this period, clothing fashions changed slowly because the inflow of
new ideas, materials and wealth was minor.Around the 1100s, clothing in Europe
started to transform. By this time, people and civilization had become more
stable and the events necessary for a fashion revolution occurred. First,
organized governments established themselves, providing focal points for style
and the wealth to purchase finer materials.(1) In addition, markets became more
organized and travel began to occur more often. Second, the crusades started in
the late 1000s, resulting in the introduction of eastern clothing materials and
styles to Europe. Third, guilds were organized which specialized in the weaving
of cloth and the tailoring of clothes.(2) Due to the guilds, a workforce
developed with specialized skills related to clothing. New materials and styles
became available. Fourth, cloth became one of the primary products of Europe.(3)
Thanks to the inflow of novel clothing styles, fabrics, ideas and wealth,
fashion for the sake of establishing social rank exploded. Clothing for the
upper class and affluent merchants transformed frequently. As the medieval
period turned into the renaissance period, sleeves, cape hoods, and shoes became
longer and hats for women were tall and exaggerated.(4) Sumptuary laws began to
appear.(5) The laws were meant to limit the quantity of money spent on clothing
and the acquisition of particular fabrics to the upper class; thus maintaining
divisions between social ranks. Clothing for the lower classes and peasants
changed little, still driven by the need for practical work clothes and
affordable materials.In conclusion, during the beginning of the medieval period
(400s to 1000s) clothing styles changed little for upper and lower classes due
to limited resources, market disruptions, and the need for practical clothing.
During the end of the medieval period (1100s to the 1500s), clothing styles
changed rapidly for the upper classes and merchants due to increased resources,
secure markets, and social competition. Lower class clothing remained mostly the
same due to the need for practical clothing. Sources:1. Sara Pendergast and Tom
Pendergast, Early Cultures Across the Globe (Vol. 2: Fashion, Costume, and
Culture) (New York: The Gale Group, 2004), 298.2. Sara Pendergast and Tom
Pendergast, Early Cultures Across the Globe (Vol. 2)..., 299.3. Philip Steele,
The Medieval World: A History of Fashion and Costume (New York: Facts on File,
Inc., 2005), 16. 4. Philip Steele, The Medieval World... , 21.5. Philip Steele,
The Medieval World... , 21.
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