Any suggestions would be most gratefully accepted about where to start my research.
Try reading the archives of this list, as well as Rowena’s article in the files section, and particularly Marguerie’s webpage at:
http://jauncourt.i8.com
You’ll quickly figure out that there is no single opinion or fact about how 12th century clothes were made, no extant women’s clothes (and few men’s clothes), and no accurate costume books concerning this period. Most of us resort to looking at pictures of 12thC artwork in books on Romanesque art, sculpture, etc.
Remember there are also several styles of clothing present during this period, for different occasions. Most, if not all, garments appear to be elaborated, modified t-tunics. As far as we can tell, underdresses are nearly always plain t-tunic cut chemises, or garments cut the same as the overgarment (except perhaps in the detail of the sleeves).
~ Teffania /
Tiffany Brown
Message #840, February 24, 2003