Fashion in Medieval England

Published: July 28, 2026 · Updated: July 28, 2026

Medieval English dress moved from the loose Norman tunic to the fitted, tailored garments of the later Middle Ages — the cotehardie and houppelande, and, for men, increasingly short and shaped clothing that sumptuary laws tried to regulate.

Fashion in Medieval England — Author: Unknown (English or French, late 14th century) Public domain Source

Overview

Wool was England’s great industry and export, and dress signalled rank ever more sharply; from the 14th century, cutting and buttons produced genuinely fitted clothing.

Key garments and style

Early dress was the long tunic and mantle. By the 14th–15th centuries came the fitted cotehardie, the doublet and hose for men, the houppelande (a full gown) for both sexes, and elaborate headwear such as the women’s hennin. Sumptuary laws restricted furs, silks and colours by rank.

Transition

Under the early Tudors, Renaissance and Spanish fashions reshaped the silhouette.

History of this period

Medieval England 1066–1485