Shifts

Women would wear a shift or smock, instead of a shirt. This is a long night-shirt like garment, worn under the bodice and skirt. It would serve as both petticoat and blouse. Peasant women often slept in the same shift they wore during the day, removing it only to launder it. Here is a pattern-generator for a shift.

There is no substantntial difference between noble and peasant shifts, except for quality of fabric.

Photos:

Click on the picture for a larger image.

Back to the Costume Page