Tudor Costumes

Tudor Costumes

• Interesting Facts and information about  Costumes and Clothes for times of the Tudors
• Fashion and dress - Tudor Costumes & Fashions
• Clothes for the rich and poor people - Fashions and Costumes
• Clothing History, facts and interesting information about Tudor Costumes

Tudor Costumes

Tudor Costumes
The dynasty of the Tudors include Kings and Queens such as King Henry VIII and his daughters Queen Mary I and Queen Elizabeth I whose portraits illustrate the clothing, fashion and costumes worn by the Tudors. The Costumes worn by the rich Tudors were fabulous - sumptuous materials, vivid colors and extremely costly. Read about ideas for Tudor Costumes

List of Tudor Costumes, Fashion and Clothing for Women
Tudor Clothing & Fashion for women consisted of many layers and Tudor Costumes for women should include many of the following elements:

• Over Clothes for Tudor Costumes!
  • Dress
  • Separate sleeves
  • Ruff
  • Cloak
  • Shoes
  • Hat

• Underclothes for Tudor Costumes!
  • Smock or shift, also called a chemise made of linen
  • Stockings or hose
  • Corset or bodice
  • Farthingale - a hooped skirt
  • A Roll or Rowle
  • Stomacher
  • Petticoat
  • Kirtle
  • Forepart
  • Partlet

List of Tudor Costumes, Fashion and Clothing for Men
Tudor Clothing & Fashion for women consisted of many layers and Tudor Costumes should include many of the following elements:

Tudor Costumes and Fashion
In the interest of accuracy those interested in creating Tudor Costumes need to be aware of the restrictions regarding fashion and clothing. Nearly every color of clothing had its own meaning in relation to status and rank during the Tudor era. Tudor Costumes made of velvets, furs, silks or lace would be instantly be recognised as a rich member of the Upper Class. Cottons and taffeta would indicate a much lower status of a poor person.

Tudor Costumes restricted by Sumptuary Laws or Statutes of Apparel
The Tudor period was dominated by the Class structure. Tudors were not allowed to wear whatever they liked! It did not matter how rich they were - the fabric, and even the style of their clothes were dictated by their rank or status. These strict rules regarding fashion and clothes were enforced by English Laws about clothing which were called Sumptuary Laws or Statutes of Apparel. Lower Class Tudors were not able to wear the latest fashions regardless of whether they were rich or poor. Fashionable clothes or costumes would only be seen at a distance, when wealthy nobles or royalty were in view! It was illegal to wear items of clothing which indicated a high rank or status. There were some exemptions to these fashion and clothing laws. Royal servants could wear specific colors and styles which were normally prohibited. Contenders and heralds at jousts and tournaments were able to continue relevant armor and colors. And anyone with a special license from the monarch was also exempt and these included the Elizabethan Acting Troupes and Actors who became popular in the period of the Tudors.

Tudor Costumes - Material & Fabrics
The fabrics and materials chosen for Tudor costumes for Nobles and Upper classes should include velvets, furs, silks, lace, cottons and taffeta. The Tudor poor Lower Classes had to wear clothing made of wool, linen and sheepskin however, silk, taffeta and velvet trimmings were allowed. Not only were the fabrics strictly restricted but also the colors, so be careful when choosing colors for Tudor Costumes.

Tudor Costumes - Slashing Material & Fabrics
The limitations of dress and clothing led to a new fashion being created during the era of the Tudors. Both men and women began to slash their clothes. The slash, or cut, in the outer surfaces of garments (doublets, sleeves and dresses) exposed the contrasting color of the linings beneath. The linings would be pulled through the slash and puffed out to further emphasize the contrast of colors, fabrics and materials. An interesting fact when considering the choice of Tudor costumes.
 

Tudor Costumes
Each section of this Tudors website addresses all topics and provides interesting facts and information about Tudor Costumes and Fashions. The Sitemap provides full details of all of the information and facts provided about the fascinating subject of the Tudors and ideas for 16 th century costumes and fashions!