Upper Class

A sign of great wealth for the upper class was wearing bright colors, well-designed tops and bottoms, and long jackets.  They wore comfortable wool clothing with linen undergarments.  During the winter they would line their clothing with furs.  The wealthy would wear well-fitted tunics that were long in length.  They flowed at the waist and had to be gathered near the ankles.  This served as a sign of social superiority because it indicated they could not work in these garments.

While hunting or participating in other activities, the upper-class would wear shorter tunics, often to just above the knee.
In general men wore hose and a jacket, often with pleating or skirting, or a tunic with a surcoat.
The women wore flowing gowns and elaborate headwear. Headdresses were anything from heart-shapes to butterflies, or tall steeple caps and Italian turbans (www.lerner.org).

 

These wealthy men and women were able to keep up with changing fashion trends. They often were able to import goods, like turbans and silk, from the east.
Jewelry was seen as an extravagant accessory during the Middle Ages and often used as security against loans. In particular, ring brooches and diamonds became very popular.

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