Return to contents    
 

Breeches and Braies

Drawers were worn by men since the 13th century. They were originally made from white or unbleached linen, or - in the Northern Europe - from wool. Two types of drawers can be distingushed: long (bruhe, chauces, femorales), and short (hace). To date, all recovered women's underware has been dated to the end of 15th century and later.
Unfortunately we have not been able to find any original clothing from middle ages, therefore presented patterns are from later periods.

Click for further details  

Italian ladies underpants

Ladies underpants probably from Italy, 2nd half of 16th century.

Click for further details  

English underpants

Underpants of Charles II, nobleman of England c. 1st half of 17th century, currently located in Westminster abbey.

     
Patterns of extant garments - Introduction
Copyright Martina a Martin Hřibovi © 2006
Patterns of extant garments - Stockings and Stunt hoses, part 1.