Medieval clothing depended largely on the social and economic status of the wearer. Poorer individuals often were forced to dress in the equivalent of nothing more than rags. A peasant in the medieval age, or worse yet the Dark Ages, often had to make do with just a few sparse robes or tunics. Wool was the most common material of the day, with scratchy undergarments the order of the day. Washing clothes, and bodies for that matter, was done only rarely. At the upper end of the economic scale, royalty often wore extravagant clothing to show off their status and wealth.

Upper scale medieval clothing was as much about showing off wealth as it was comfort. In fact, much medieval clothing of the royal variety was most likely very uncomfortable. Intended more as a display of wealth, royal medieval clothing commonly featured elaborate styling and extravagant flourishes. Womens medieval clothing, for example, often featured long trains and elaborate jewelry. The mens medieval clothing was often equally elaborate, featuring complex designs of fabric and colors.

If you have seen any of the modern reproductions of medieval clothing, common in movies such as Braveheart, this extravagant display of wealth through clothing is an easily recognizable feature of that time period.  For poorer denizens of the medieval ages, clothing was much more about utility than comfort or style.  At the opposite end of the spectrum, people in the royalty of the time focused on style much more than utility or even comfort.  Styles changed just as frequently as it does today, or perhaps even more so. 

For those looking to reproduce the look of medieval clothing, places like renstore.com are a great place to start.  Although focusing primarily on renaissance clothing, renstore.com provides a great deal of medieval clothing as well.  The inventory is very large, and the prices are frequently very affordable.  20, 30, 40, and even 50% clearances are commonly seen.  This makes medieval clothing relatively affordable, and the reproductions available at some websites such as renstore, are fairly extravagant and accurate. They have a focus on authenticity and quality.  Combine that with frequent clearances and affordable prices, and renstore.com is a great way to find great medieval clothing.   

Renaissance clothing was very frequently about ostentatious designs that displayed the wealth of the wearer. The renaissance saw the rise of a new and elite merchant class, and they often sought to show off their new found wealth through their clothing. Renaissance clothing ranged from the simple and utilitarian design of the peasant, to the elaborate clothing of the merchant and royal classes.

Renaissance clothing can often be seen in theatrical and film portrayals, as this is a popular age in history. Renaissance clothing of the peasant usually entailed something simple, usually made out of wool, that served its purpose from day to day. The peasant frequently only a handful of clothes, so renaissance clothing of this variety had to be sturdy and long lasting. The peasant focused not on style and comfort, but on utilitarian purposes. Garments were frequently made out of tough materials like wool, and so were not very comfortable, although they could last for many years.

Surviving renaissance garments are rare, because clothing tends to break down and disappear over time. Although the structures and writings of the renaissance are well preserved, the clothing of that age is not so well preserved. Through that writing, and through drawings, however, the style of the age is still well preserved.

Renaissance clothing frequently had an emphasis on style and display of wealth. Womens renaissance clothing typically emphasized their features with vibrant bursting colors, long trains, and elaborate jewelry.The royal and upper class mens clothing of the age had a similar focus in promoting the knowledge of their wealth and status.

Renaissance clothing commonly focused on emphasizing the presence of wealth with an ever shifting focus on style. Styles shifted just as frequently during the renaissance as they do today, or perhaps even more.For a wide selection of realistic renaissance clothing, You can do a google search on it, most of the renaissance stores have a huge selection of everything renaissance related, from weapons to clothing. Models on the page show off the realistic clothing, which is well designed and constructed. The clothing comes at an affordable price, and can be purchased online with a minimum of trouble. Prices are fairly low, and clearances on all sorts of items are commonly offered. Browse through the renstore.com inventory, and you will be sure to find the renaissance clothing item you are looking for.