Trade and exploration had a big impact on clothing styles during the Middle Ages.
Textile Exchange: With more trade routes opening up, new fabrics came into play. For example, silk from Asia became really popular. By the 14th century, the price of silk ranged from 100 per yard, depending on how nice it was.
Fashion Diversity: The arrival of new materials led to different types of clothing. By the late 12th century, cotton became available, which allowed people to wear lighter clothes. This change influenced the styles that were popular at the time.
Social Hierarchy: Clothing showed a person’s social status. There were rules, like the Statutes of Apparel from 1363, that decided who could wear certain fabrics. Because of these rules, about 80% of people had to wear rough, coarse materials.
In summary, trade and exploration changed fashion in a big way. They showed off wealth and classes in medieval society.
Trade and exploration had a big impact on clothing styles during the Middle Ages.
Textile Exchange: With more trade routes opening up, new fabrics came into play. For example, silk from Asia became really popular. By the 14th century, the price of silk ranged from 100 per yard, depending on how nice it was.
Fashion Diversity: The arrival of new materials led to different types of clothing. By the late 12th century, cotton became available, which allowed people to wear lighter clothes. This change influenced the styles that were popular at the time.
Social Hierarchy: Clothing showed a person’s social status. There were rules, like the Statutes of Apparel from 1363, that decided who could wear certain fabrics. Because of these rules, about 80% of people had to wear rough, coarse materials.
In summary, trade and exploration changed fashion in a big way. They showed off wealth and classes in medieval society.