14th Century Shirt

Based on contemporary artwork No visible machine stitching Made in 100% heavyweight Linen All interior seams fully enclosed Flattering and authentic fit Color: White 4 Sizes, M-XXL Price: $64.95 (M & L), $74.95 (XL), $84.95 (XXL) About our Linen Shirt Throughout the Middle Ages clothes were worn in layers, with a light linen tunic forming the foundation over which additional linen or wool garments were worn. The exact nature of these earliest garments is unknown, but by the 13th century, they had evolved into a simple, relatively short, white linen shirt. When worn under the tunic and supertunic of the period, this shirt would have all but disappeared from view, except perhaps at the collar. Fortunately, not only is the shirt of this time well represented in surviving artwork, but a single piece, believed to be that of Saint Louis (King Louis IX of France), survives in a remarkably preserved condition.

The shirt went through subtle, but important changes in the century that followed, as it evolved to conform to the new, closer-fitting outer garments of men’s fashion. Beginning with the St. Louis shirt as a reference, we have based our shirt on contemporary artwork, to produce a garment that maintains all of the key elements of the period. Made of a heavy-weight, white linen, the body of the shirt is cut like that of the cotte and is specifically designed to be worn with it. The shirt has a keyhole neckline which can show from under the cotte and can be worn open or closed with a broach.

Worn with chausses and braies, this ubiquitous shirt forms the foundational dress of medieval man, from duke to cotter.

Size Chart

Our 14th century shirt is meant to fit loosely in the chest and flare from there down to the hem. The chest measurements given are that of the shirt itself so you should choose a size that is somewhat bigger than your actual chest measurement. Typically, we recommend the shirt be 2-4" bigger than your chest measurement for an authentic and comfortable fit.

Our Design

Historical Inspirations

Drawing after a detail from the Maciejowski Bible circa 1250 Pierpont Morgan Library New York City, USA	Drawing after details from Grande Heures de Rohan circa 1415 Bibliotheque National, Paris, France

Drawing after an early 14thc. manuscript Bibliotheque National, Paris, France	Drawing after the painted ceiling of the Hall of Justice in the Alhambra circa 1354 Grenada, Spain	Drawing after Martyrology of Usard circa 1270 Bibliotheque National, Paris, France
shirt (Page: 1330) shirt (?), n. [OE. schirte, sherte, schurte; akin to Icel. skyrta, Dan. skiorte, Sw. skjorta, Dan. skiÜrt a petticoat, D. schort a petticoat, an argon, G. schurz, sch\’81rze, an argon; all probably from the root of E. short, as being originally a short garment. See Short, and cf. Skirt.] A loose under-garment for the upper part of the body, made of cotton, linen, or other material; -- formerly used of the under-garment of either sex, now commonly restricted to that worn by men and boys. Source: Webster’s Revised Unabridged, 1913 Edition