Cloaked in Power: Unveiling the Secrets of Medieval King Clothing

Clothing has always been an indicator of one’s status throughout history, making the Medieval time period no exception to the rule. From jesters to nobility, the type of clothing people wore decreed the hierarchy of social status one belonged to.

The attire of a king, during the Medieval era, was subjected to the same principle. However, during different medieval time periods, differences amongst monarch clothing could easily be made apparent. 

Ranging from the laws on kingly attire to types and styles of clothing, the following article delves into the details of medieval king clothing from 470 AD to the 1500s.

Medieval Kings’ Clothing in the Medieval Era

Middle ages clothing and styles were all determined by the chain of power and command that was established during the era of feudalism. However, they evolved through time and different periods. Medieval Kings Clothing evolved over the centuries as follows:

During the start of the time period (470-900 AD) Medieval monarchs often adorned themselves in long silk tunics embroidered with gold thread, reserving the regal color purple as a symbol of prestige. T-shaped tunics, wide and long, became a common choice for kings during coronations and significant events to make a lasting impression on guests.

In the early Middle Ages (900-1000), garments were loose and belted, and coats of mail were worn. Social status was indicated by headgear, with velvet caps featuring points and streamers for those of rank. The attire included robes, long cloaks, closed-pointed shoes, and short hair.

Within the years 1000-1100, the surcoat emerged, initially for females but later adopted by both sexes. Headgear became more elaborate, and the surcoat underwent changes, losing sleeves and revealing expensive undergarments.

In the period 1100-1200, luxury reached its peak with gold and silver embellishments, pearls, and precious stones adorning clothes. Massive gold belts became a prominent accessory.

From 1200-1300, surcoats for the rich were made of luxurious materials, matching their arms’ colors and embroidered with their symbols. Pointed shoes, long stockings, and elaborate headgear were fashionable throughout Europe.

The 1300-1400 era featured diverse hat shapes made of various materials. Some clothing styles were immodestly short and tight, requiring assistance to dress. 

In the 1400-1500 period, men’s dress remained short and tight, featuring tight waistcoats and close-fitting breeches. Italian fashion introduced elegance with full sleeves, short ornamental mantles, broad-brimmed feathered hats, and a variety of layered garments.

Sumptuary Laws and the Attire of Kings

In 1463, the Sumptuary Laws clearly outlined specific clothes and colors that were limited to the common population, maintaining a strict difference between royal attire and that of the common people. These laws aimed to prevent the middle class from imitating noble clothing due to social pressures and increasing wealth. 

While medieval kings were drawn to the clothing styles of the Byzantine Era, characterized by bright colors and high-quality materials, sumptuary laws were enacted to prevent lower classes from mimicking the lavish attire of the nobility. This was particularly important as many kings, like Louis IX of France, adorned themselves in extravagant clothing, including long tunics embroidered with gold thread and Camel hair coats, in order to stand out.

 Daily Attire of a Medieval King

During medieval times, kings had to be present at meetings and interact with various people daily. As a result, their clothing was quite fancy, using silk, fur, and even jewels. Typical elements of a medieval king’s attire included a surcoat, gold belts, long stockings or hose, and more. Even when hunting, they preferred wearing luxurious silk clothes over practical hunting attire.

Describing the clothing worn by King Louis IX of France (1214 – 1270), it is mentioned that he would go to his garden wearing a camel’s-hair coat, a black silk cloak without a hood, and a hat adorned with peacocks’ feathers. On other occasions, he might be seen in a blue silk coat, a scarlet satin surcoat and mantle, and a cotton cap.

 Clothing Worn by Medieval Kings: Types and Styles

1. Ceremonial Clothing of Medieval Kings

During various ceremonies and court sessions, medieval kings would often appear in fancy surcoats, paired with a crown decked out in jewels. The king’s attire typically featured gold embroidery, and the belt used precious stones and ornaments. By the late medieval era, materials like silk and fur became significant symbols of status in the clothing of kings.

 2. King’s Clothing for Hunting and Battle

Medieval kings preferred practical attire for hunting and battle, opting for shorter cloaks, tunics, shirts, and mail instead of the elaborate ceremonial clothing often worn. This was because they frequently engaged in battles or hunting while on horseback, making the usual ceremonial dress unsuitable for such activities.

3.  Furs in Medieval Kings Clothing

Medieval monarchs preferred an elegant taste in fashion and style, that was shown through their attire being made of fur (for a bold touch) silk (for an expensive taste) and feathers (for an exotic touch), from those of a peacock, to showcase themselves in a glamorous manner. 

4. Medieval Kings Clothing – Royal Regalia

In medieval times, kings displayed their wealth and status to others by wearing special items known as regalia. These were royal things that kings carried or wore during daily life or at important events.

Some examples of regalia included cloaks with royal emblems, intricately designed and jeweled rings, scepters, orbs, decorative daggers and swords, and bracelets. Among these items, the most significant was the medieval crown, worn by kings during special occasions like coronations, completing the full royal attire.

 Medieval Kings Fashion

Extravagance was shown in each clothing item worn by kings and queens during the medieval ages. During these times, people’s clothing styles were greatly shaped by what the monarchs dressed in.

From 1100 AD onwards, fashion in the medieval era went through many changes due to increased trade, global interactions, and growing prosperity. As a result, the clothing of medieval kings became more intricate during this period, influencing the styles of clothing worn by others as well.

Conclusion 

In the early medieval period, kings wore simple clothes without expensive materials like silk and fur. But as time passed, especially in the middle and late medieval eras, royal attire became more elaborate and costly. Besides silk and fur, valuable jewels started being incorporated into a king’s clothing. Styles and tastes all changed, while certain similarities persisted in the apparel. 

On separate occasions the kings would often dress differently, showing immense wealth and power to their subjects and indicating the prosperity of their lands. Symbols of their prestige would be seen through their clothing choice, which stood in sharp contrast to what the common populace wore. 

If you enjoyed reading through the fashion tastes and clothing choices of medieval era kings, check out “MEDIEVAL ROYAL CLOTHING” and “MEDIEVAL TROUSERS: A TALE OF UTILITY AND ELEGANCE”.