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Frock (or tunic)

Many outdoor workers wore a garment which seems rel-ated in cut to the gown, though not morę than knee length. It typically had long plain sleeves, a buttoned opening at the neck, and was worn pulled in by a belt. It can be madę as a shortened version of Gowns, Fig 4. As it is a simple garment, both Front and Back might be cut in one on the fold.

Coat (or jerkin)

Commoner than the frock for indoor workers, this is open down the front and buttoned. The cut is comparabie with the cotehardie, though later versions often show a waist seam, sometimes with the skirts pleated on at the waist. To make these see Cotehardies, Fig 4, but plan it with morę ease all round the Błock and long plain sleeves.

Men's outer working garments

Various forms of outer garment were worn by working men in the 15th century (PI 18). They included a persistent form of the surcote; a short form of the gown, possibly known as a frock; and a closer-fitting buttoned coat.

A common feature of these garments was their length, reaching between mid-thigh and knee. This madę theni practical for wear over a long doublet and separate hose, as depicted for workmen over most of the century.

Use a hard-wearing woollen cloth or cheaper broadcloth in a muted colour. The quality of the garments and their cloth would have varied a good deal, even for those issued as livery; they were not necessarily lined. Use lightweight cloth, linen or canvas if you wish to linę your garment.

Cloth buttons are suitahle for fastening (Metbods, Figs 19-21). The buttons were spaced well apart, sometimes in pairs and sometimes just five from neck to waist. To position five buttons foki the edge into ąuarters.

Surcote for working wear Untailored garments probably continued well into the 15th century, especially for poorer workers. To make this see Surcotes, Fig 4, possibly shortening the skirts.

Men

1.    1423, French

Carpenter (building NoalYs ark) in a fuli surcote or frock, pleated under the belt, and a hood with its liripipe wound round the head. He has hose and ankle boots. Notę the hammer tucked through his purse. (Bedford Hours, British Library, MS Add 18850, f.15b).

2.    1465, French/Burgundian

Peasant in belted frock or surcote with sleeves rolled up to show buttoned doublet sleeves. His hose are baggy and probably separate. Hood with liripipe wound round the head and working boots. (Burgundian tapestry, Burrell Collection, Glasgow).

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