It seems that during the Middle Ages throughout Western Europe the concept of �trousers� had not been in style or perhaps even thought of quite yet, instead men (and quite possibly women) wore a pair of voluminous knickers with chausses tied to them. Chausses are separate stocking-like legs that are attached to the braies by points (or buttoned perhaps) and are cut high so that the braies can be neatly tucked in. Chausses were made of linen or wool, which came in an array of different colors and were often worn parti-colored. They were cut �on the bias� to give them greater elasticity, some stopped right at the ankle, but most seem to have had feet attached, and some yet seem to have a leather sole sewn to the bottom of the feet so shoes were not needed. To give the chausses more support garters made of supple leather, linen, or wool (often embroiled) were buckled or tied just below the knee.
|
|
Standard Disclaimer