posted 01-29-2003 02:14 AM
"Bliaut. Most popular in the period 1140-1160, but worn well into 13th century, the blaiut was a dress cut to be more fitting to the figure. The bodice and skirt were made from separate pieces of material - giving a closely fitting bust with a low neckline revealing the underdress, long (often excessively long) loose sleeves, and a pleated skirt. The bodice was held in place by a girdle or decorative belt, or laced at the back or sides to give a close fit to the upper body. A men's version also existed, like a basic T-tunic but with a longer than knee length skirt pleated to the bodice, which was laced at the sides or back and and also had a low neckline showing the shirt underneath." From http://homepages.tesco.net/~tinyclanger/albini/albini_clothes_female.htm
Excellent resources: http://garbindex.ath.cx/garbindex/content/bliaut.php http://victorian.fortunecity.com/manet/394/page21i.htm
Instructions: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Delphi/3212/h-cost3/bliaut.html
Some pictures, authenticity? http://www.noelcostumier.com/Castle.htm
For pictures, I've saved the best 'till last: http://employees.oneonta.edu/angellkg/MEDIEVAL.HTML
Levan