Most of the common beliefs of Tudor and Elizabethan clothing is based on what we see in images. However, images, whether paintings, woodcuts, drawings, or sculpture, only present us with a partial picture – the capturing of a set moment in time filtered through an artist’s impression. In order provide a more realistic and rounded view of what was worn, we need to consult textual sources, like wardrobe accounts or literature. This enables us to see beyond the artist’s depiction of a person’s “Sunday best,” and will give us a more colorful view of this historical period.

In this four week class I will introduce you to a wide range of textual sources, tell you where you can find them, and help you to understand the best way to use them. I will give you detailed descriptions of what both men and women wore, from head to toe. I will also discuss colors and textiles used, hopefully surprising you with range of what people wore.

In addition to this, I would like to try to answer any specific questions you have concerning what is written about 16th century clothing, whether you are an author, re-enactor, or just someone interested in the exciting historical period. I hope that you will send me these questions and in the fourth week I will give you the answers I have found.