The clothing of the Elizabethan period was ostentatious, ornate, and looks very stiff and uncomfortable to the uninitiated. After all, even men sometimes wore corsets in the late sixteenth century! Actually, the cut of the fabric and the placement of the seams is what creates the proper silhouette, not the tightness of the lacing. The Elizabethans had a wide selection of sleeve styles from which to choose. Open, hanging sleeves which could also be buttoned or tied closed were particularly popular for their versatility. Most people had few clothes and wore each piece for many years, so having the ability to change the look of a garment was important, and very practical for England's climate, too. Price range $400.00 and up. Click on each picture for a larger image.
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