For example, common people were only allowed to wear simple wool clothing in plain colours. They could not wear silk, velvet, or any other luxurious materials. Men and women were also restricted in the number and type of accessories they could wear.
On the other hand, wealthy Tudors could wear a wide variety of clothing made of the finest materials, and adorned with elaborate decorations and accessories. Silk, velvet, fur and lace were all common materials for wealthy Tudors. They could also wear precious stones and jewellery.
Even within the elite there was differentiation. For example, only people of a certain social rank or higher were permitted to wear certain items, like embroidered gowns or velvet shoes.
Ultimately, the clothes you wore in Tudor times reflected not just your wealth, but also your status in society.
Here are some specific examples of the differences between rich and poor Tudor clothing:
- Common people: Wool tunics, hose, and shoes were the most common items of clothing for the working class. They were often made of coarse wool and were not very comfortable.
- Wealthy people: Wealthy Tudors could afford to wear clothes made of finer materials, such as silk, velvet, and linen. They also had a much wider variety of styles to choose from, and their clothing was often more elaborately decorated.
- Upper classes: The upper classes, such as the nobility and gentry, had the most luxurious clothing of all. They could wear clothes made of cloth of gold, silver, and other expensive materials. Their clothing was often heavily decorated with jewels, embroidery, and other embellishments.