Clothing In Elizabethan Era

The reign of Elizabeth I was one of the most remarkable periods of English history. Under Elizabeth's rule, England enjoyed eternal peace and prosperity. The English people had more time and money in their hands to purchase luxuries and pursuit leisure activities, and gradually, this was the beginning of consumer culture (Elgin 6). As a result, clothing became the most obvious way of displaying newfound wealth. Clothing became a way to display wealth because it was much more extravagant in the Elizabethan Era than previous time periods. Clothing became more elegant because of Queen Elizabeth, who set the ravishing fashion trends. The display of lavishness and fancy clothing were not for the aristocracy alone but also for the rising middle class.

Since the Renaissance increased an interest in science and mathematics, clothing for men and women was influenced by geometric shapes rather than the natural shape of the body. “Padding and quilting together with the use of whalebone and buckram for stiffening purposes were used to gain this geometric effect with emphasis on the shoulders and hips” (Alchin). This fashion was designed to make the waist appear smaller, which was especially desired by many women. According to Kathy Elgin, “. . . a thirteen-inch waist was the maximum which could be allowed in polite society.” However, this fashion was also copied by men who wore the tight-waisted, stiffened doublets to obtain a slimmer look. Because of the limitations of dress and clothing provided by the Sumptuary Laws, a new fashion called slashing was invented; it was used by both men and women. The slash, or cut, in the outer surface of garments (doublets, sleeves, and gowns) exposed the contrasting color of the lining beneath. Then, the linings would be pulled through the slash and puffed out to further emphasize the contrast of colors, fabrics, and materials. During her rule, Queen Elizabeth I led the way for many of the new styles and fashion. At the start of her reign fashion for women was modest, and they were generally covered from head to foot. However, after a couple