MEN'S FASHIONS IN THE ELIZABETHAN ERA

Escorting the Elizabethan Lady would be the stylish gentleman wearing boots, shirt, a fitted jacket, hose, breeches (pants) came only to his knees, and a codpiece in front, which covered the opening in the breeches. Codpieces were often elaborately decorated, and sometimes used as change purses. The ruff at the neck, a cloak of velvet or other rich material, and a hat would prepare a gentleman for any social occasion.

Wealthy men wore fabrics that were colorful, adorned with expensive trimmings such as gold and silver lace. They wore rare furs and jewels like pearls. Silk, brocade, satin and velvet were favorite fabrics of the rich Elizabethan gentlemen known as "gentry" and noblemen. The poor wore canvas, fustian, and leather.

Men's clothing was as colorful as that of the ladies, but men wanted to look manly so they wore clothing in the shape of armor with broad shoulders, broad hips, and narrow waists. It could be compared to a suit of armor.

Young children of both sexes were clothed alike, in gowns that fell to the feet, aprons, bibs and caps, until they were four or fives years old. Older children were dressed as miniature versions of adults.

The DOUBLET was the most striking (and expensive) part of a man's clothing. It resembled the breastplate of armor, covering the back and chest, ridges down the front and wings at the shoulders. It was stuffed with horsehair (talk about itchy), wool or rags so it would keep its shape.

The SLEEVES, like women's apparel, were separate garments, tight at the wrist. They were tied to the doublet with laces.

HOSE covered the body from the waist down; sometimes the upper area of the hose, like the doublet, was stuffed to give a more muscular look.

BREECHES, were fastened to the doublet and covered the body from the waist around the seat and over part of all of the upper leg.

The RUFF was a stiffly starched ruffle at the neck, usually white.

HATS were of many different shapes, usually had a band and were worn indoors.

CLOAKS were elegant capes worn over the doublet (sometimes called GOWNS if they were floor length)

HAIR and BEARDS: The hair was usually combed forward at the front to form a short fringe over the forehead. A trimmed beard and mustache came into style in the mid 16th century.

The commoner of the Elizabethan period was identified by crude clothing . The ordinary countryman wore coarse homespun woolen garments of reddish brown for the best garment, worn with kersey or knitted hose and heavy hobnail shoes. Field clothes were fustian tunics with loose breecches, canvas leggings buskined (tied in place) with strips of cloth, and the "thrummed" (fringed or shaggy) hat

Next Page

Home Page