Medieval Undies under the care of a textile conservator
Knickerbockers, tam o’ shanters, farthingales, liripipes… who wears these things anymore? But even if we don’t, we remember them because of their odd and lyrical names. Here’s a list of more you probably haven’t heard of (because I randomgenned them up) but will remember once you hear them. So will readers and campaigners. Use at will.
Archaic Clothing Items
Snydugs: Smocked gray pantaloons worn by rural women.
Tightnubbins: Uncomfortable men’s military-issued underwear made of wool.
Maid-rags: Light cotton, bikini-like undergarment worn by female members of the clergy.
Wrapflinder: A silk-lined dressing gown with stiff, long, sleeves.
Wellinflators: Tall ostrich leather boots worn by traveling minstrels, decorated with wool pompoms.
Dampskips: Waterproofed linen gaiters, usually dyed green, with oilcloth uppers.
Dog-hider: A loose beaver fur hat.
Cinchgams: Small pearl buttons that hold shirt cuffs open at a rakish angle.
Schlertunchen: Soft mink hose only worn by the wealthy.
Groftboners: Heavy wool pants worn by sailors in cold climates.
Popcuts: Soft ponyhide trousers worn by the young and decadent.
Turry-trainers: Body-hugging, scratchy wool hose castle pages wear by Royal decree.
Bessie-Snag: Woman’s lightweight wool underskirt.
Sportmules: Red velvet knickers favored by well-connected gigolos.
Lispfarthings: Ermine slippers with cork soles.
Poppyphorm: A tradesman’s long jacket popular with university students for its many pockets.
Scryskip: Tight laced tunic usually made of silk-lined linen.
Kisroft: A traditional shepherd’s sweater knit from combined lambswool and sheepdog hair.
Stifrane: A woven tree bark coat worn for protection from the elements by poor farmers.
Zincjats: Cheap, casual house shoes fashioned from burlap stiffened with egg white.
Tangleprimp: A loose pleated silk blouse worn at afternoon tea.
Shillywiggins: Short cuffed knickers worn by schoolboys.
Milkduke: A stiff lace ruff in the shape of a square worn at the neck by town judges.
Weskflit: A ponyskin cap worn by small children to protect them from the sun.
