15th Century Clothing

Apron (June 2008)

Kim has started a drawn work apron

Shoes (March 2008)

James made this pair of shoes based off a pair in the museum of London book Shoes and Pattens; it is a combo of pattern 98 and 99 with an added turn welt, additional sole, and heel stiffener all available in the 15th century but not original to the pattern.

The uppers are made of 3-4oz vegetable-tanned leather and the sole is 9-10oz leather. The leather is finished with an oil dye and then a combo of neatsfoot oil and wax made into a paste to help make them water resistant

This style of shoe is seen commonly in paintings from the time

Pouch (February 2008)

This pouch is based off a design in Olaf Goubitz's book Purses in Pieces: Archaeological Finds of Late Medieval and 16th Century Leather Purses, Pouches, Bags and Cases in the Netherlands. It is dated to the 15th century.

The inside of the outer flap was a textile pocket in it and the bottom flap has a slit on the inside as well as two small draw string pouches. Like the original the straps to hold it together wrap around from where they are sewn on at the top.

Boots (Early 2007)

James made this pair of boots based off a pair in the museum of London book Shoes and Pattens. The uppers are made of 3-4oz vegetable tanned leather and the sole is 9-10oz leather. They are made with the same stitching as the original and are stitched with waxed linen. It has reinforcements on the side openings with the lacing holes and a heel reinforcement. The heel stiffener is also stitched with a proper binding stitch that does not pierce the outside of the leather (you can see the stitching in the 3rd and 4th images).

James finished the boots with 8-10 coats of neatsfoot oil added two coat a day in order to not oversaturate the leather. James finished them with a neatsfoot oil and wax paste to help make them water resistant.

The 15th Century Archer (Early 2006)

What you see is a red doublet and black hosen (need replacing with a color more appropriate for a Yeoman) under an 8mm riveted maille shirt and standard with a 15 layer linen jack over it. I also have an open faced Salled.

Accessories

Here are some accessories every 15th century man should have.

First is a paternoster, a set of prayer beads. Since this photo mine set has changed to eight bone beads between the coral and only six sets. They are on a silk fingerloop braid with the cross on one end and a silk tassel on the other. It is no longer a circle either it is a straight line.

Second is a belt with silver fittings and a leather pouch with bronze fittings. It is in a basic shape common through out the 15th century.

A Middle Class Outfit (Made in late 2005)

My current middle class outfit is a pair of black twill hosen, a red broadcloth doublet with a white linen lining, a blue lightweight worsted gown lined in white linen, and I change my hat depending on the occasion between a red felted knit bowler and a black wool chaperon.

Photos of my First 15th Century Outfit

These photos were taken in winter 2002 and spring 2003. I made many mistakes with these outfits most of which are common among reenactors. The coif and felt hat are totally wrong for the 15th century. The hose are made of Jersey wool which is a modern knit wool fabric and the doublet is electric blue. The gown needed to be shortened on both the arms and the hem.

Of this original outfit the only clothing I have left is the gown and livery jacket.