Medieval clothing for girls
- Available
Medieval clothing for girls combines the charm of centuries past with children’s love of adventure – whether at a medieval market, a LARP weekend, or simply for dressing up at home. Here you’ll find dresses, overskirts and complete outfits made from natural materials that are sturdy enough for real adventures. The category includes over 100 items from manufacturers such as Battle Merchant, Burgschneider and Leonardo Carbone – from the first simple outfit to a carefully coordinated market ensemble.
What did a girl wear in the Middle Ages? A historical overview
Historical girls’ clothing in the Middle Ages differed little from adult fashion – children simply wore smaller versions of adult clothing. The basic structure consisted of an under-gown (cotte), a close-fitting, long-sleeved and floor-length base garment, over which a further over-gown (surcoat) was worn. Both garments were usually simply cut, without elaborate constructions such as shoulder seams or waist-cinching in the modern sense.
The materials depended on the family’s social standing: linen and wool were the standard fabrics, whilst cotton became increasingly common in the High Middle Ages. Colour played an important symbolic role – dyeing was done using plant-based dyes: woad provided blue, madder yielded red and burgundy tones, and woad produced a warm yellow. Those who could wear these colours demonstrated access to trade goods and craftsmanship.
The term ‘Burgfräulein’ (castle maiden) stems more from the romantic, modern-day image of the Middle Ages than from historical reality. The daughters of townspeople and peasants also wore similar basic styles – the difference lay in the quality of the fabric and the intensity of the colour, not in the cut.
Sizes and fit: How to find the right costume
The garments in this category are available in sizes from approximately 104 to 152 – corresponding to children aged roughly 4 to 12 years. Medieval cuts are structurally different from modern children’s clothing: they are looser-fitting, have no tight underarms and offer significantly more freedom of movement. This is both historically accurate and practical – children can run, climb and romp about without the seams being pushed to their limits.
When choosing a size, the rule is: if in doubt, go for a size larger. Garments need room to grow, not only for movement but also to accommodate the child’s growth. Historically, dresses were also sewn with wide hems that could be unpicked and lengthened – a practical tradition that can be seen today as allowing for growth.
A simple medieval belt or a drawstring can be used to cinch the waist. This gives the loose-fitting cut some shape and can be adjusted to suit – without the garment losing its value or being damaged.
Undergarment and outer garment: an overview of the most important garments
- Long-sleeved, floor-length
- 100% cotton
- Available in natural and Bordeaux red
- Base layer – can be worn on its own or layered
- Price: approx. €25
- Sturdy construction for active children
- Sleeveless or short-sleeved
- 100% cotton
- Available in lilac, lime green and other colours
- Worn over the underskirt
- Price: approx. €21
- Together, they form a complete outfit
The principle of layering is central to medieval clothing: the underskirt alone is sufficient for warm summer days, whilst the overskirt worn over it creates a colour-coordinated outfit and adds a second layer. Both pieces together cost around €46 – offering good value for money for a complete, machine-washable children’s outfit.
Duchess costume vs. historical attire: what’s the difference?
- Often made of polyester or blended fabric
- Glitter elements, faux fur, metallic effects
- Suitable for one-off use at a carnival parade
- Inexpensive to buy, limited durability
- Not weatherproof or suitable for market use
- Cotton or linen – breathable and skin-friendly
- Historically inspired cuts
- Machine washable, can be used for several years
- Suitable for medieval markets, school projects and re-enactment
- No synthetics – conscious choice of materials
The term ‘duchess costume’ often crops up in carnival contexts and usually refers to synthetic garments with glittery details. For a visit to a medieval market with children, this is not a satisfactory solution – neither for the children, who will be walking around in them for hours, nor for parents who want to spend their money wisely. A cotton costume may cost a little more, but it lasts for several seasons, is washable and can be worn for various occasions: carnival, markets, school projects – all with a single dress.
The complete girls’ outfit: putting together a costume from head to toe
Ylva overdress on its own as a simple costume – for school fests, carnival parades or a first visit to the market. Loose-fitting, comfortable, washable.
Ylvi underdress combined with the Ylva overdress. Add a simple belt or a cord belt to cinch the waist. This combination is suitable for visits to medieval markets and LARP family weekends.
Outfit plus headwear (hood or cloth), matching children’s shoes in medieval style, a small belt pouch and, for cooler market days, a light cape. This makes the outfit cohesive and suitable for everyday wear.
Materials: Why cotton is the right choice for children
| Material | Suitability | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 100% cotton | History | Breathable, skin-friendly, machine washable – dominates the range with over 30 items |
| Linen | Historical | Particularly cool, ideal for hot summer markets – lighter and airier than cotton |
| Wool | Historical | For colder seasons and autumn markets – warm, moisture-regulating |
| Polyester / Blended fabrics | Carnival | Commonly used in carnival costumes, not breathable – not a material used by the Vehi Mercatus own brand |
For the Vehi Mercatus own brand, avoiding synthetic fibres is not a matter of course, but a conscious decision. Fabrics are manufactured in weaving mills to our own specifications – the result is clothing that feels different from mass-produced goods: softer, more breathable, more durable. For children who spend a whole market day on the go, this makes a noticeable difference.
Experience from the scene: what really matters in children’s clothing
Anyone who has spent years at markets knows this: children are the toughest test for any garment. They run, slide, climb on hay bales and throw themselves into ditches – seams have to withstand all that. That’s why it’s worth ensuring children’s clothing is robustly made and not compromising on seam quality.
Wide hems have also proven practical: they allow for growth and reflect historical practice, where clothes were sewn in advance and lengthened later. Parents in the re-enactment scene also pay particular attention to machine-washability – after a weekend at the market, the costume goes straight into the washing machine.
When it comes to colour choice, rich earth tones and natural colours have proven to be timeless and practical: stains are less noticeable, and the colours look more harmonious at the market than garish artificial shades. The garments from Battle Merchant, Burgschneider and Leonardo Carbone in this category follow this principle.
Medieval market, school fair or carnival – which is best suited to which occasion?
For a medieval market, a natural-fibre costume with a historically inspired cut is the right choice. It can withstand a full day’s wear, is comfortable in warm weather and looks appropriate in a market setting. A combination of an under-gown and over-gown, with a belt and matching shoes – this completes the outfit and makes it practical.
For a school fete or fancy dress day, the outer dress alone is often sufficient. The loose fit makes it comfortable for a day at school, and the cotton fabric is more comfortable than synthetic costumes. A small accessory such as a cape or a simple belt completes the look without being overly elaborate.
For LARP, freedom of movement and durability are key. The loose-fitting cuts of the medieval children’s dresses are ideal for this purpose – no tight shoulder seams, no riding up when running. Sturdy seams are particularly important here; the garments in this category are designed for active children.
Once you’ve been in a genuine cotton costume on a carnival parade, you’ll never want a scratchy synthetic costume again. The dresses in this category are also suitable for Fasching – and afterwards for markets, LARP and school projects. A multi-purpose investment that pays for itself across many occasions.
Browse through over 100 items in the Medieval Clothing for Girls category and put together the perfect outfit for your next market visit, school fete or LARP weekend – from simple basic garments to a complete children’s look with headwear, belt and shoes.
Frequently asked questions
The image of the damsel is heavily influenced by modern romanticism. Historically, girls and women of all social classes wore similar basic styles: a long-sleeved under-dress (cotte) and a further over-dress (surcoat) over it. The difference between social class and wealth lay in the quality of the fabric and the intensity of the colour, not in the cut. Rich colours such as burgundy, blue or lime green were expensive and signalled prosperity.
The garments in this category are available in sizes 104 to 152 – suitable for children aged approximately 4 to 12 years. Medieval styles tend to be looser-fitting than modern children’s clothing. If in doubt, it is advisable to choose a size larger, as the dresses need room for movement and can easily be cinched at the waist with a belt or drawstring.
For a visit to a medieval market, garments made from natural fibres such as cotton or linen are the first choice. For girls, we recommend a combination of an under-dress and an over-dress, complemented by a simple belt, matching shoes and, optionally, a headdress. Synthetic costumes look out of place in a market setting and are significantly less comfortable than cotton garments on warm days.
Castle maiden costumes sold in the carnival trade are often made of polyester, feature glittery elements and are designed for single use. Historical garments made of cotton or linen, on the other hand, are breathable, machine-washable and can be used for several years – equally suitable for medieval markets, LARP and school projects. The price difference is small, but the difference in comfort is considerable.
Yes – the cotton garments are versatile: carnival, school projects, theatre performances and visits to medieval markets are all covered. As the dresses are machine-washable and robustly made, they can easily withstand frequent use. This makes them cheaper in the long run compared to disposable costumes from the carnival trade.