Making a medieval costume for summer?

Question

Last year I made a dress for a medieval night during summer, but I got really overheated. This year, I'm trying to figure out a way to make an acceptable costume that wouldn't be too upper-class for the period but would still be less stifling and crazy warm. Does anyone have any suggestions for alterations or anything? I used pattern 9891, variation C from Simplicity.

Answer 1

If you can find linen for your costume, you will probably find that to be the most comfortable fabric. (Keeping to lighter-colored fabrics will also help you keep cool, since they'll reflect heat, instead of absorbing it.) If there's no linen in your local fabric stores, try http://www.fabrics-store.com

Check out http://moas.atlantia.sca.org/wsnlinks/in... for some suggestions on patterns.

Answer 2

What kind of fabric did you use?

Cotton can make you warm but it does allow the skin to breath unlike other fabrics such as synthetics.

I have wondered where you could get alpaca fabric for something like that its very soft and nice to the touch unfortunately expensive.

I made a few medieval dresses last year and adapted them without sleeves. It gave me the fullness to the skirt and look I wanted but kept me cool (I used cotton for that one).

Answer 3

Well, I never used patterns per se--my graduate costuming courses taught me how to work without a pattern--

But the main thing is the material.  And also the design, in that you will want to avoid too many layers.

You might want to look up medieval dress in books on history of costume or history of fashion, just to see what some of the options are.  Also look at medieval art work, particularly the Tres Riche Heures of the Duc du Barry.

Once you've seen an outfit from those sources that you thing would look right on you, then you can scoot off to the fabric store to find patterns that resemble those pieces.

Now, natural materials will give you the better feel.  Try light cottons for everything, especially the blouse.  Linens and other natural fibers may also be used for the overgarments.

20% of your body heat escapes through the top of your head, so leave that uncovered--or use a very light fabric to cover if you must.