Medieval Overdress / Sideless Surcoat Andra, brown
This loosely tailored, floor-length surcoat is made of thick cotton canvas, a sturdy, heavy fabric that makes the medieval dress particularly suitable for spring and autumn wear. The bottom hem, armholes and neckline are trimmed with a finely woven cotton rib. The armholes are very generously sized and extend to the hips. From the hips down, so-called gores (triangular pieces of fabric) inserted into the side seams give the skirt an adequate flare. This garment is an authentic reconstruction of an outer gown as worn by ordinary women in the 14th century.
The surcoat (or surcote), which was originally also worn by men, was quite popular with women from the 13th c. onward. As the name implies, it was designed to be worn over a cotte (or cote). It usually featured wedge-shaped panels of fabric inserted into the skirt piece to provide sufficient flare. A particular form of sleeveless overgown was the so-called sideless surcote which enjoyed great popularity with ladies of all classes. While sleeveless surcoats initially had regular cut armholes, these became larger and larger over time until they eventually reached down to the hips, showing the long-sleeved cotte or kirtle underneath. The Church did not approve at all of this new fashion, which explains why such oversized armholes are also referred to as gates of hell.
Historical illustrations of surcoats can be found in numerous manuscripts of this time period, for example in the 1348 Roman de la Rose manuscript or in the 1360 Speculum humanae salvationis (leaf 37).
Details:
- Available sizes: S/M, L/XL, XXL
- Colour: brown (also available: dark blue, red)
- Material: 100% cotton
- Length overall size M: approx. 150 cm (measured from the highest shoulder point down to the bottom hem)
- Care instructions: Machine wash at 40°C, gentle cycle, do not tumble dry
| Size Chart - Women - Dress |
| Size |
S |
M |
L |
XL |
XXL |
| Chest Circumference (in cm) |
88 |
96 |
104 |
116 |
128 |
|
How to find the right size:
- To take your body measurements correctly in order to determine you clothing size, please always wrap the measuring tape horizontally around your body at the fullest part.
- For dresses, sizes are based on your chest circumference.
- If you happen to fall between two sizes, we recommend that you go up a size.
- Ease is included in the pattern and reflected in the finished measurements.
Please note:
Delivery includes the surcoat only! The other items pictured above are available separately in our online shop.
As authentic as possible, as modern as necessary!
This medieval surcoat is part of Battle-Merchant's line of period clothing and medieval garments for men, women and children. From the first sketch to the last stitch, this garment was planned, designed and handcrafted with particular attention to detail. Our clothes are modeled (sometimes accurately, sometimes less so) on historical examples, grave finds and original museum pieces where they exist. We always endeavour to keep the necessary adjustments to today's standards, e.g. in terms of size and manufacturing process, to a minimum. Just see for yourself!