Medieval clothing depended largely on the social and economic status of the wearer. Poorer individuals often were forced to dress in the equivalent of nothing more than rags. A peasant in the medieval age, or worse yet the Dark Ages, often had to make do with just a few sparse robes or tunics. Wool was the predominant clothing of the day. Washing clothes, and bodies for that matter, was done only rarely. At the upper end of the economic scale, royalty often wore extravagant clothing to show off their status and wealth.

Upper scale medieval clothing was as much about showing off wealth as it was comfort. In fact, much medieval clothing was really about showing off wealth. Intended more as a display of wealth, royal medieval clothing commonly featured elaborate styling and extravagant flourishes. Womens medieval clothing, for example, often featured long trains and elaborate jewelry. The mens medieval clothing was often equally elaborate, featuring complex designs of fabric and colors.

If you have seen any of the modern reproductions of medieval clothing, common in movies such as Braveheart, this extravagant display of wealth through clothing is an easily recognizable feature of that time period.

For poorer denizens of the medieval ages, utility was far more important than style or comfort. At the opposite end of the spectrum, people in the royalty worked to emphasize style more than anything else. Styles changed just as frequently as it does today, or perhaps even more so.

For those looking to reproduce the look of medieval clothing, websites like renstore.com are great places to start. Although focusing primarily on renaissance clothing, renstore.com can supply affordable Medieval clothing as well. The inventory is extremely inclusive, and the prices are not very high. 20, 30, 40, and even 50% clearances are commonly seen. This makes medieval clothing relatively affordable, and the reproductions available at renstore.com are known to be very accurate and true to life.

With several styles of all time periods, renstore.com can be a great place to find everything needed. The reproductions available at renstore.com have a focus on authenticity and quality. Combine that with frequent clearances and affordable prices, and renstore.com is a great way to find great medieval clothing.