In the thirteenth century both men and women carried purses or handbags, and gloves, which the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans had all used, were very popular, Ladies often dressed in blue, pink or yellow while the men favored brown, dark green or turquoise.

The breastplate continued to be the dress of soldiers who also wore a shirt of mail. This shirt was made of small, interlinked, metal rings forming a close network. The soldier’s gloves, leggings and shoes were also of mail. The shirt of mail was quite long and was open at the front and the back to allow the soldier to ride on horseback. The knight’s armour included the helmet which could be opened or closed. It was closed in battle but there were eye-slits in it to allow the knight to see. The knight’s horse also wore a suit of armour.

During the fourteenth century the textile industry in Europe developed considerably. All sorts of beautiful materials such as brocades, silks and velvets appeared on the market. The chemise, a type of smock worn by ladies, also made its first appearance. Women’s dresses became longer and longer and ladies employed young men as pages to carry the long trains of their dresses. These dresses had sleeves which clung to the arm but flared out widely at the wrists. During this time the first women’s hats and caps appeared.