Arundel Castle, perched majestically on a hill overlooking the River Arun in West Sussex, England, is one of the country’s most iconic and historically significant castles. With nearly a millennium of continuous history, it has witnessed the sweeping changes of English history, from Norman con

Secret Codes: Some elite garments included hidden symbols sewn into linings or hems for protection or status signaling.   Unisex Designs: The basic shapes of chemises were similar for men and women, reflecting practicality over strict gender differentiation in underclothing. &

In 14th-century Bruges, as in much of Europe, sumptuary laws regulated clothing according to social class. While these laws focused mostly on outer garments, underwear was indirectly affected. For example, commoners were prohibited from wearing luxurious fabrics or excessive decoration even beneath

Underwear served as a social marker, though more subtly than outer garments. Quality of linen, fit, and cleanliness could indicate status. Wealthy families invested in finer linen and more tailored undergarments. For the poor, underwear was often coarse and worn until threadbare. Religious and cu