Medieval trousers were traditionally worn under a short tunic or with a small cloak and were usually ankle length. If the trousers were loose, the excess material was bunched around the waist and “hung in folds around the legs.” Garters or leggings sometimes accompanied narrow trousers.
Pieces of fabric were attached to the trousers to form belt loops to hold the piece in place, at the waist, by a belt.
Trousers of various designs were worn throughout the Middle Ages in Europe, especially by men.
The historical root of the word trousers comes from the Scottish word trews.
History of the Trousers
There is some evidence of trousers being worn in the Upper Paleolithic. Still, they probably originated in Central Asia, worn from the waist to the ankles and covering both legs separately (as opposed to robes, skirts, and dresses). Woolen trousers have been found in Turpan, western China, dating from the 13th and the 10th century BC and likely made for horseback riding.
Trousers entered recorded history in the 6th century BC, on the rock carvings and artworks of Persepolis. Romans disdained trousers as barbarians’ mark (although they later began using them in the north as they provided greater warmth).
In the Middle Ages, trousers were worn under long tunics. Trousers in this period varied in length and were often closed at the cuff or even had attached foot coverings. Among upper-class males, by the 8th century, there is evidence of the wearing in Europe of two layers of trousers.
Types of Trousers
Trousers can be classified flexibly into:
- Brais: Worn in the early Middle Ages, brais varied in length and were often closed at the cuff.
- Drawers: An under layer trouser worn by upper-class males in the late 16th century.
- Breeches: Trousers made of wool or linen and worn over drawers, common in the 10th century.
- Tights or Hose: Skin-tight trousers worn by the most fashionable elites in the 14th century.
Image Gallery: Trousers in Medieval Manuscripts & Art
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More Medieval Clothing
Medieval Tabard
During the late Middle Ages, tabards (a type of short coat) were used by men all around Europe.
Medieval Hood
The Hood could be part of a cloak or cape, or worn as a separate form of headgear.
Medieval Dress
In the 11th century, women wore dresses that were similar to men’s tunics.
Medieval Tunic
The tunic is a garment usually simple in style and reaching from the shoulders to the hips or knees.