Top Ten Medieval Clothing Must Haves

The medieval period is a vast swath of time covering a myriad of different cultures and fashions. However, just like how there are some common threads (puns) between the suits of the roaring 20s and the business dress of the Covid 20s, there are some must have necessary elements of medieval dress every living history or reenactment impression should consider incorporating to be considered complete.
And to watch our sister video, 10 Misconceptions About Medieval Clothing, check out Ylva's video here: • 10 Misconceptions Abou...
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[@belledobson2007]

I really liked this video but a few photos of examples would have been very helpful

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

Thank you, that's a good point. I've learned a lot about making videos since we did this one and the subtle art of "b-roll" is one of those skills.

[@marastuff9256]

me: just sewing my medieval shift, washing this video culminate in the mention of its necessity

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

It's like we planned it. :D

[@helenlayley]

Really interesting , and completely different from our starter kit in Viking. Number 1 would be the same, the undertunic or sark with simple trousers for men. There are enough outer garments around for newbies to borrow. Many will also have a coloured linen tunic or dress to begin with, until they know they are staying and invest in a wool dress. Number 2 would be cup and bowl, plus spoon. I think 3. Would be some form of wool blanket to be used as cloak or hood or to sit on or hide modern items in. Leading into hoods and bags and the investment into footwear. Our newbies almost always start at summer markets, so barefoot and linens are the way to go!

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

What a detailed contrast! Thank you for sharing.

[@GoldenMiddleAge]

Really helpful. I find small details like medieval clothing not having pockets so fascinating!

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

It is the little things, and they help explain the bigger things such as, why was it normal for everyone to carry bulky belt pouches everywhere for everything when, in a modern parallel, people wearing fanny packs are considered somehow uncouth or unfashionable.

[@GoldenMiddleAge]

@@TheTurnipOfTerror Exactly! Amazing how things change over a period of time

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

@@GoldenMiddleAge Part of what makes history so much fun to study.

[@Tina06019]

I put pockets or pocket slits in all my reenacting and “cosplay” garb. Just not going to go without pockets. Gotta hide away my magic rolling chariot keys somewhere.

[@jekyle1980]

Love these videos- I wish you guys would show off some good examples of some of the stuff your talking about.

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

That's a very good point! I'm working on more show less tell in future videos. When I get the hang of it, I may come back to his and see if we can improve!

[@Threetails]

Putting together a "free peasant on the make" look, which means no embroidery or gold but a little extra flair here and there like brighter colors and brass accents on the belt, and some dagging on the hood. From what I read this isn't out of line with what a freeman doing well in the late 14th/early 15th century might have going.

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

That definitely sounds right in line with what you'd see on a commoner with some extra coin.

[@David-Tiger]

This video is very helpful, an improvement might be to show the various items too. For example, bags and water vessels

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

That's a great suggestion, thank you.

[@alex9190]

i know this video is old but heatstroke/heat exhaustion is no joke!! and you can get it anywhere if you're not careful. like next to a pool while wearing a modern bathing suit. this happened to me lol

[@hilmarheathkliff9511]

I learned a trick for wearing medieval clothes in messed up heat. Get some silk or linen, soak it in cold water and wrap it around your neck. If needed add wet rags to wrists and/or ankles. These will dry out so just reapply water when needed.

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

This is a handy trick.

[@lotstodo]

That sounds unpleasant. I've had bad reactions to sunburn. Not good.

[@gozer87]

Great list. My spare heavy wool simple tunic kept many a new person warm in during the 40 degree "summer" nights in Germany. I do admit that I haven't been able to get braies and hosen to ever feel comfortable though.

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

The warmth of a simple will tunic, especially one loaned out by a mentor, is deeper than the flesh. But yeah, braies can feel weird.

[@Tails7777]

Awesome colab, hope to see more of them! Now to go review my kit and add and replace some new essentials I think.

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

Thank you!

[@graceerhart5796]

I live in Florida, and the last SCA event I went to was 90+degrees. A T-tunic and pants, boots, archery hood with belt and bag was what I was wearing/carrying. All of us suffered at the archery range-we had a plastic 5 gallon container of ice water with us, and nobody complained about authenticity, and everybody used that water! I had a German style copper cup with me, hung on belt with strap. But next year considering Gulf Wars-and know that will be cold. I have wool blankets and camp cot. I have a short Gambeson-appropriate as I serve armored heavy.

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

Thanks for sharing.

[@hilmarheathkliff9511]

Wet cloth on your neck can help you keep cool. I reccommend silk, linen or cotton.

[@TheAngryMarshmallow]

I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing it with us :3 I fight at our local RennFaire and was looking up tabards and found y'all :D

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

I'm glad it's been a help!

[@mmcgartland2095]

Great list

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

Thank you!

[@MrMercredifyable]

Thanks for the video and a nice list of must haves! I have most things on your top 10 list already checked, but the video gave me some new ideas! :) I had hoped that you would show some examples of the items in the video, but I enjoyed it nonetheless! :D

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

You're welcome!

[@Helliconia54]

loving the video. My wife and I have attended Gummeracha and the Barossa, plus Ballarat's goldfields medieval faires

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

Wonderful! I'm glad you like it.

[@urchincreature]

HARDCORE ADULT DRESS UP

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

🤘

[@YlvaTheRed]

Context is king, as usual 😂 😈

[@pieines7299]

The big question, considering most event take place in summer and fall, would be... What about hot weather gear

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

That's a good question. I may have to make a video about that specifically, as I've seen the discussion come up multiple times in forums/groups/discords.

[@pieines7299]

@@TheTurnipOfTerror well it's easy to get layers of thick wooled garment for reenactment, but less so to get thin ones. For me... only the self made ones. If you dont play a peasant with a minimal number of layers, can be rather tricky.

[@ah5721]

Most people just strip to basic layers tunic, and pants or just dreses in lightweight linen. Natural fibers like linen absorb sweat and breathe. If you have light weight linen undies that helps too

[@pieines7299]

@@ah5721 yes, but hard not to look like a half dressed peasant in those cases.

[@AlltheKingsdresses]

Love this one too!

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

Thank you!

[@AlltheKingsdresses]

@@TheTurnipOfTerror Seriously,these were INCREDIBLY helpful. PLEASE do more. Like,seriously. Thank you Both so much. and as soon as I finished her videos I'm starting yours Turnip of Terror. the must haves is So helpful. Thankfully I collected MANY of the things you spoke of before I quit, but I think I've decided to head back to the sewing room after this.

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

@@AlltheKingsdresses I am so happy to read your kind words! Don't worry, I won't stop! I actually have some more reenactor focused info videos in the works!

[@user-tz9ob6xd1n]

Showing examples of each item would have been helpful.

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

That is a very good suggestion.

[@thebelfastvikingmartinbrow3603]

As am a wee bit earlier than you in terms of history. The 10 points are nearly still the same. Apart from I wear trousers and I use a wicker backpack.

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

Those wicker basket packs are awesome, and they show up in later periods, too!

[@thebelfastvikingmartinbrow3603]

@@TheTurnipOfTerror long story short. I needed something to carry my bowl and cup plus lunch in etc. Plus I can hide my phone/ car keys in the bottom of it if need be. But for hanging your water bottle or small axe on they handy to carry. And at the end of the day it sits in a corner out of the way.

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

@@thebelfastvikingmartinbrow3603 so handy!

[@gingerredshoes]

Cold weather? 😄 Try 104F.

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

That's chilly in certain environments 🤪

[@leechowning2712]

The funny thing about that is that a lot of the same clothes in a different fabric makes a big difference. People don't realize that the modern fabrics... Especially synthetic fabrics... Are actually why they are so hot. My mostly cotton summer wear keeps me cool.

[@shodospring]

No pictures! Really

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

Fair point. If I were to do this video again with what I've learned over the past three or so years of making content, it would include pictures or examples or both.

[@OrthoKarter]

Im thinking about getting medieval clothing soon, any recommendations? Also nice video!

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

Thank you! I would suggest checking out my website theturnipofterror.com as I have a list of vendors and tutorials you can trust!

[@hellofditties]

i wish i had money 😭

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

It can be a hurdle, but not insurmountable.

[@kents.2866]

Buy used gear and learn how to sew. Sewing yourself will save you tons of money.

[@helenlayley]

Start with simple linen undergarments (Ikea usually do cheap beige linen) and barefoot or homemade leather footwear (l started with commercial, modern, brown rough leather ankle boots hidden under my skirts) A charity shop wool blanket in a solid colour, muted shade. And a cup. Then meet with local re-enactors and beg, borrow and buy their old clothing!

[@phillipallen3259]

A plausible peasant bag could be a bundle tied on a stick like Huckleberry Finn. Peasants didn't often travel far from home and when they did they most likely wouldn't have a backup so the answer is age old.

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

Good point. We also see things wrapped up in a long bundle and tossed over the shoulder, which is a similar concept sans stick.

[@PopulaUrbanum]

Don't just wear my underwear? Got ya

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

For the good of all mankind.

[@PopulaUrbanum]

@@TheTurnipOfTerror to be fair, this is a sight best left behind closed doors, in the dark, with eyes closed...

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

@@PopulaUrbanum ha! I suppose that depends entirely on the audience.

[@missingallmymarbles7670]

@@TheTurnipOfTerror that sounds like something from a Pennsic veteran...

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

@@missingallmymarbles7670 And to think, I've never been!

[@mmcgartland2095]

Pouch pouch pouch

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

Everybody loves their pouches.

[@Helliconia54]

that wall is fascinating me. Sorry. Do those bricks have a story?

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

The bricks behind me?

[@Zoie3x8]

@@TheTurnipOfTerror yes, im curious about the bricks too. o_o

[@TheTurnipOfTerror]

@@Zoie3x8 nope, just the bricks next to my front door. They make for a better backdrop and have better light than most of the inside of my house, though it is subject to neighborhood noise.

[@Zoie3x8]

@@TheTurnipOfTerror i see :)

[@lindagoulder3368]

Great video-As a living historian who is blood related to three different clans, clans such as the MacLeod's, MacDonnell's and Mackenzie's. It is always confusing when someone tries to portray highland clan members of the medieval period and misses the boats on their portrayal due to lack of research for the clan they are representing. For example, when they are portraying a member of Clan MacLeod and confuses who they are portraying with the Dalradian Highland groups, it becomes very confusing. Even more confusion occurs when the person portraying a member of Clan MacLeod is wearing the wrong tartan and trying to pass it off as one of the tartans worn by the Viking progenitors of the medieval period, whose surname is known as Clan MacLeod. Especially, not knowing what tartans were worn, if any by these Viking progenitors known as Clan MacLeod, for this period. Including what these tartans were made of and which tartans were worn in the later time periods, which can cause unintentional historical inaccuracies to occur and misinformation to be circulated. (Historically Clan MacLeod is descended from one of the oldest Viking houses in Norway and from the Yin Ling dynasty and who settled the Isle of Man before 1099. During this time, the old norse family who resided on Man were known by Harldsson, his son was known by Gudrodsson, his son was known by Olfar The Black Olafsson and his son was Leod Olafsson whose progeny would become known by their surname MacLeod. For many centuries, Clan MacLeod has been thought to be descended of the Dalradian Clans of Caldonia. But after conclusive genetic testing, it has been confirmed that they and their descendants are indeed descended from the oldest Viking dynasties.)

[@ericdpeerik3928]

Goulder, the living historian highlander, with an Anglo-Saxon name? Are you a Vinlander per chance? 🤔

[@AndersWatches]

Clan tartans are an invention of the Victorian era.

[@alanmackinnon3516]

Where is your evidence that they wore tartan in the 11 th Century. What I have read is they would have worn long tunics similar to what the Medieval Irish wore.