Over the course of time, mankind has seen a number of changes in the attire that they have worn. For example, during medieval times people wore elaborate costumes and suits of armor for battle. Over time the costumes worn by people have varied from the simple clothing of the colonial era to the fun and bouncy costumes of flappers in the early 20th Century.
Medieval Costumes
The type of clothing worn in medieval times varied because of social status. People in the lower levels of the social ladder such as peasants and surfs wore very simple clothing. On the opposite end of the spectrum, nobles and those in the higher end of the social scale wore elaborate costumes, and knights wore suits of armor, and other distinctive clothing.
- Medieval Theatre
- Medieval Costume
- Medieval Costume Clipart
- Medieval Dress and Fashion
- Medieval Costume and Settings
Renaissance Costumes
Clothing during the Renaissance era was slightly more elaborate than clothing during Medieval time. While dress was still determined by social status, the higher classes wore fancier clothing. Women generally wore longer dresses, with fancy sleeves and a headdress. Men's costumes consisted of sleeved shirts, with vests, belts and hats, but the complexity was based on social status. But the social ranking still played a big factor in the type and style of clothing that was worn.
- Italian Renaissance Costumes
- Renaissance Costume Resources
- Renaissance Costume Resource
- Shakespeare's Renaissance Costumes
- Women's Dress Analysis
- Costumes of the Italian Renaissance
Elizabethan Costumes
During the Elizabethan era, clothing that could be worn was determined by social class. The dress was closely watched and governed by the Sumptury Laws which established penalties for non-compliance. Due to the laws of the day, nobility were able to wear the finest clothing, and commoners could only view them from a distance. Non-nobility were only able to wear very simple clothing. Because of the laws, if a peasant was caught wearing a higher class of clothing, they would be punished, with the maximum punishment being death.
- Elizabethan Costume Information
- Elizabethan Costume Resources
- Elizabethan Costumes
- Elizabethan Costume History
- Elizabethan Costume Library
- Elizabethan Costuming Page
Colonial Era Costumes
The costumes during the Colonial time period of the United States was also very class oriented. Business owners, statesmen and diplomats generally wore the finest suits, shirts and shoes, and the wives and other amily members also wore beautiful gowns and fancier garments. The working classes, including farmers and business employees however, wore very plain and simple clothing which were functional for their particular professions.
- Colonial Period Costumes
- Colonial Era Costumes
- Colonial Children's Costumes (PDF)
- Colonial Family Costumes (PDF)
- Colonial Timeline of Fashion
20th Century Costumes
The 20th Century has seen many different types of costumes. From the fun and frivolous outfits of flappers in the Roaring 20's to the leather jackets and poodle skirts of the 50's, the 20th Century has had unique costumes. In addition, the 60's saw the introduction of bell bottom jeans and tie die shirts and the 70's disco crazy brought us the leisure suit and platform shoes. Overall, the clothing of the 20th century mirrored the times, with a wide variety of costumes being worn.
