Medieval Fashion

The Medieval Museum c/o The Swedish History Museum: See newly sewn women’s garments, recreated from the Viking Age to the early 1500s. On view 24 October, 2024 – 1 November, 2026.

During the Middle Ages, all clothing was precious. There were no mass-produced clothes in cheap materials. All clothes were hand-sewn and measured for the person who would first wear the garment. The clothes were often used until they were completely worn out, and then the textiles could be used for patching and mending.

In the exhibition “Medieval Fashion,” newly sewn women’s garments from the Viking Age to the early 1500s are displayed, including both simpler garments and more elaborate ones. Åsa Dahlstedt, the Medieval Museum’s seamstress, has worked in collaboration with Historical Textiles over four years to develop patterns, dye fabrics, and fully recreate the garments.

The exhibition is a collaboration between the Medieval Museum and the Swedish History Museum.