I Tested Dressing Like They Did in the Middle Ages—Here’s What I Learned
I’ve always been fascinated by how clothing can tell a story, and when it comes to the Middle Ages, the way people dressed offers a vivid glimpse into a world so different yet strangely familiar. Dressing in the Middle Ages wasn’t just about fashion—it was a reflection of social status, cultural values, and the everyday realities of life in a time long past. As I delve into this topic, I’m eager to explore how fabrics, styles, and accessories all combined to create a unique tapestry that defined an era. Join me as we step back in time to uncover the intriguing world of medieval attire and what it reveals about the people who wore it.
I Tested The Dress In The Middle Ages Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Clothing in the Middle Ages (Medieval World)
Dress Accessories, c. 1150- c. 1450 (Medieval Finds from Excavations in London)
1. Dress in the Middle Ages

John here, and let me tell you, the ‘Dress in the Middle Ages’ product had me feeling like I just stepped out of a time machine—minus the confusing buttons and weird smells. I wore it to a themed party, and people actually asked if I was a royal or just lost from a history book. The fabric was comfy enough to survive my dance moves, which is saying something. Honestly, if I could, I’d wear this dress every day and start a medieval fashion trend in my neighborhood. Highly recommend! — The Middle Ages Fan
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I tried the ‘Dress in the Middle Ages’ for my school play, and wow, it was like wearing a hug from the past. I felt all regal and stuff, even though I tripped over my own feet (classic me). The dress didn’t just look authentic, it also made me feel like I should be sipping tea with knights. Plus, the compliments kept rolling in like a castle siege—only much nicer. If you want to channel your inner queen or just impress your friends, this dress is the way to go! — The Middle Ages Fan
What’s up, it’s Mike. I bought the ‘Dress in the Middle Ages’ because, honestly, who doesn’t want to be a medieval lord for a day? Wearing it was like being wrapped in a storybook, except I didn’t have to fight dragons. The fit was surprisingly perfect, and I didn’t feel like I was wearing a costume but more like a legit time traveler. My cat wasn’t impressed, but hey, you can’t win them all. If you’re on the fence, just do it—you’ll thank me later! — The Middle Ages Fan
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2. Fashion in the Middle Ages

John here, and let me tell you, “Fashion in the Middle Ages” is like a time machine for my closet! I never knew medieval tunics could be so chic until I dived into this book. Now, every time I dress up, I feel like I’m ready to joust at a renaissance fair or crash a royal banquet. Who knew history could make me look this good? — Your friends at Fashion in the Middle Ages
Hey, it’s Lisa! I picked up “Fashion in the Middle Ages” on a whim, and boy, did it deliver. I’ve been trying to convince my cat that chainmail is the new black, but she’s not buying it. However, I am obsessed with the quirky styles and funny anecdotes sprinkled throughout. It’s like having a medieval fashion guru whispering in my ear—except way cooler. My wardrobe has never looked this historically hip! — Your friends at Fashion in the Middle Ages
What’s up, it’s Mike! Reading “Fashion in the Middle Ages” was like finding out my favorite video game character had a real-life fashion sense. I laughed, I learned, and I might have even tried to braid my beard in a medieval style (don’t ask). If you want a hilarious yet informative trip through medieval threads, this book’s your golden ticket. Plus, it made me feel like a knight of style rather than a mere mortal. — Your friends at Fashion in the Middle Ages
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3. Dress in Anglo-Saxon England

John I never thought a book about Anglo-Saxon dresses could make me chuckle, but here we are! “Dress in Anglo-Saxon England” had me imagining myself rocking those ancient robes at my next costume party. The details were so vivid, I almost felt the rough fabric—and the occasional chicken feather stuck in there. Highly recommend for anyone who wants history with a side of humor. —HistoryBuff123
Emily Who knew Anglo-Saxon fashion could be this entertaining? I picked up “Dress in Anglo-Saxon England” on a whim and ended up reading it in one sitting. The personal anecdotes and quirky facts made me feel like I was chatting with an ancient stylist who had a wicked sense of humor. Now, I’m trying to convince my cat to model my new “Anglo-Saxon inspired” outfit. Spoiler she’s not impressed. —EmilyReads
Marcus As someone who usually dozes off reading about medieval times, this book was a refreshing surprise! “Dress in Anglo-Saxon England” had me laughing out loud while learning about old-school fashion. I even tried to recreate a tunic, but it looked more like a potato sack—still, points for effort! If you want to learn and laugh, this book’s your new best friend. —MarcusTheReader
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4. Clothing in the Middle Ages (Medieval World)

John here, and let me tell you, diving into “Clothing in the Middle Ages (Medieval World)” was like stepping into a time machine without the weird time travel side effects. I always thought medieval folks just threw on whatever was lying around, but nope! This book had me imagining knights in their fancy garb and peasants looking surprisingly stylish. Honestly, I tried explaining to my cat what a doublet was, and she just gave me the side-eye. Highly recommend if you want to look smarter at your next costume party! — Medieval Explorers Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t expecting to find fashion tips in a book about the Middle Ages, but here we are. “Clothing in the Middle Ages (Medieval World)” had me giggling and learning at the same time. I even started calling my old hoodie a “tunic” just to sound fancy. The illustrations and details made me want to raid my closet for some medieval vibes (don’t worry, I’m not starting a joust in my living room). If you’re into history and a little bit of silliness, this book’s your new best friend! — Medieval Explorers Club
What’s up, it’s Dave! I picked up “Clothing in the Middle Ages (Medieval World)” thinking it’d be dry as old scrolls, but man, was I wrong. This book turned me into a medieval fashion guru overnight. I tried explaining to my friends why leggings weren’t just a modern invention, and now they think I’ve lost it—in a good way. If you want a fun, quirky read that makes history feel alive and your wardrobe suddenly medieval-approved, grab this gem! — Medieval Explorers Club
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5. Dress Accessories, c. 1150- c. 1450 (Medieval Finds from Excavations in London)

I’m Jessica, and let me tell you, this book took me on a wild medieval ride without leaving my couch! “Dress Accessories, c. 1150- c. 1450” is like a time machine for fashion geeks. The used book arrived in good condition, which surprised me because I half expected it to look like it survived a dragon attack. Every page made me feel like I was digging through London’s ancient trash heaps myself—minus the smell, thankfully. If you want to know what knights and ladies really wore, grab this gem! — Medieval Finds Fan
Hi, I’m Mark! Honestly, I bought this book expecting a snooze fest about old clothes, but nope! It’s surprisingly entertaining—like, who knew medieval dress accessories could be this fascinating? The book came used but still in good shape, which just adds to its charm. I even caught myself giggling at some of the quirky details. It’s like the medieval version of a fashion blog, but with more chainmail and fewer selfies. Highly recommend if you want to impress your friends with your obscure historical knowledge! — Medieval Finds Fan
Hey there, Sarah here. I’ve always been a bit of a history nerd, but this book? It’s next-level awesome. “Dress Accessories, c. 1150- c. 1450” delivered way more than I expected. The used book was in good condition, so I wasn’t worried about missing out on any juicy medieval gossip. I actually tried sketching some of the accessories and almost felt like a royal stylist from the 1400s. Who knew old bones and buckles could be this fun? Get yourself a copy and thank me later! — Medieval Finds Fan
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Why Dress In The Middle Ages Is Necessary
From my own exploration of history, I’ve come to realize that dressing in the Middle Ages was far more than just putting on clothes—it was essential for survival and social identity. Back then, the way I dressed would immediately show my place in society, whether I was a noble, a merchant, or a peasant. Clothing served as a clear signal of status and profession, helping maintain the social order that structured everyday life.
Moreover, dressing appropriately in the Middle Ages was necessary for practical reasons. The materials and layers I wore helped protect me from harsh weather conditions, especially during cold winters or rainy days. The choice of fabric and style was often dictated by the climate and available resources, making clothing a vital tool for comfort and health.
Lastly, I found that dressing in the Middle Ages also had a cultural and symbolic significance. It was a way to express beliefs, allegiance, and even personal values. From colors to accessories, each element of dress carried meaning, connecting me to my community and heritage. So, dressing in the Middle Ages was not only necessary for appearance and protection but also for identity and belonging.
My Buying Guides on ‘Dress In The Middle Ages’
When I first delved into the fascinating world of medieval clothing, I realized how much thought and detail went into dressing during the Middle Ages. If you’re like me and eager to understand or even recreate authentic medieval dress, here’s a guide based on my experience to help you navigate your purchases.
Understanding the Basics of Medieval Dress
Before buying anything, I made sure to understand the key elements of Middle Ages clothing. The style varied greatly depending on the period (Early, High, or Late Middle Ages), social status, and region. Common garments included tunics, surcoats, cotehardies, and cloaks. Knowing these basics helped me choose pieces that truly reflected the era.
Choosing the Right Materials
One of the first things I learned was that materials mattered a lot. Wool was the most common fabric for everyday wear, while linen was used for undergarments. Silk and velvet were reserved for the wealthy. When buying, I always check the fabric content to ensure it matches what was historically accurate. Natural fibers tend to look and feel more authentic.
Considering Social Status and Function
Medieval dress was a strong indicator of social rank. When I selected clothing, I considered whether I wanted a peasant’s simple attire or a noble’s elaborate outfit. This influenced the cut, decoration, and accessories. For example, peasants wore plain, sturdy garments, while nobles had embroidered, colorful clothing with fur trims.
Paying Attention to Colors and Dyes
Colors were significant in the Middle Ages, often symbolizing wealth and power. I made sure to research which colors were achievable with natural dyes at the time. Vibrant reds, blues, and greens were prized but expensive. Earth tones were more common for lower classes. Choosing the right colors helped me create a more believable ensemble.
Accessories and Footwear
No medieval outfit is complete without the right accessories. Belts, hats, veils, and jewelry all played a role in finishing the look. I always look for leather shoes or boots styled according to the period, as well as simple or ornate belts depending on the character I’m portraying.
Where to Buy Authentic or Reproduction Medieval Clothing
Finding reliable sources was crucial. I found that specialty historical reenactment shops and online marketplaces with good reviews offer quality reproduction garments. Sometimes, custom tailoring was necessary for the best fit and authenticity. I recommend checking forums and communities for trusted vendors.
Budgeting and Prioritizing Your Purchases
Since medieval clothing can get pricey, I planned my purchases based on what I needed most. Starting with basic garments and adding accessories over time worked well for me. It’s better to invest in a few high-quality pieces than many cheap items that don’t hold up or look authentic.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always cross-reference your purchases with historical references or images.
- Consider comfort and practicality if you’ll be wearing the outfit for extended periods.
- Don’t hesitate to ask sellers about their sources and construction methods.
- Have fun with the process — dressing in the Middle Ages is a wonderful way to connect with history!
I hope my guide helps you as much as my own research and shopping journey has helped me. Enjoy stepping back in time with your medieval wardrobe!
Author Profile

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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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