Medieval Chemise Dress Circa XIV
Exclusive undergarment dress with adjustable neckline
Lightweight and elegant, this chemise dress is inspired by 14th-century underdresses, at least those parts that peer from under the dresses in paintings and books.
Why chemise was one of the main elements of the medieval female outfit?
Our ancestors used linen chemises of a similar type as an element of their underwear. Not only did adding such a nice-to-touch basic layer substantially improve the quality of life of a wearer, but it also protected the main dress from sweat. The floor-long loose chemise is made of thin and softened linen, making it flow all the way down. Thanks to the material used, there are no restrictions regarding the type of dress to wear over it - the fine fabric will not roughen the silhouette of the overdress, no matter how fitted it is.
There is a drawstring in the collar for easy adjustments of the depth of the neckline. The medieval chemise features straight sleeves. A tiny eyelet in a shoulder seam can be used to wrap a biceps or the upper part of a sleeve with the attached laces. On the front part of the chemise there are pleats aimed to highlight its trapezoidal silhouette.
Why linen is the best fabric for medieval chemise dress?
Linen is a breathable and soft material – people worldwide use it for centuries to sew all the possible parts of their wardrobe. Another essential feature of linen fabric is its durability. When getting yourself a pretty chemise requires turning flax linen into thread, weaving that thread into fabric, sewing everything together, and maybe even embroidering afterward instead of just buying a ready-made undertunic in a shop, you want it to serve you as long as possible!
Looking for a shorter medieval chemise shirt? Check this popular chemise shirt as an alternative.
To check how to measure yourself, please click here.
Please contact us if you have any additional questions.
Materials:
- Fine natural flax linen.
Chemise features:
- Trapezoidal silhouette;
- Adjustable neckline;
- Pinched decorative pleats;
- Lace-up sleeves.
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16 Feedbacks
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Cynthia Dudley 21 of June 2022:
Love that it isn't in American sizes as it fits well on a larger sized woman. The quality is impressive and I hope to soon have a reason to wear it in public.
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Kristina 15 of December 2021:In short, love the unexpected detail but recommend ordering a size down. Mostly very happy with this, the only problems are that it is very loose-fitting and SUPER long, both of which were very unexpected for an undergarment - if anything I would be worried that it would be too tight. I measured myself and should be a 2, but there is so much room in this thing, I think I'll re-order size 0's. I'll also need to re-hem it myself. I'm 5'6" so I thought it shouldn't drag on the ground (again, especially as a basic, untrimmed undergarment), but without shoes it's all around me on the ground with inches of length to spare, fully covering my feet and everything. The good news for immediate use is that I was able to remove one of the sleeve lace ties (but only one as the other's loop was too tight to get the knots through) and use it as a makeshift belt to bring some of the fabric up, but then that is bulky under the dress (really bulkier since it is already very loose fitting). Pros - the fabric is nice, almost opaque enough to wear as a dress by itself, but not quite (even with the natural linen option). I was surprised by the nice pleating details at the neckline(where it ties) and at the top of the sleeves (where the top lacing loophole is). From the distanced pictures provided, I was expecting it to be more plain, but that detail is very lovely for when it shows peeking out from a dress. The adjustable neckline also works very well. I cinched it enough that the resulting neckline is quite high, and it does not look taxed or overly-gathered (and still leaves enough room in the shoulders that I feel that downsizing is the right move).
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LARTHA WESTLANDER 09 of December 2021:
If only I had found this earlier in life...I would have found my clothing dream come true!! I am overtaken by the beauty and quality presented here...and can only hope your company will never stop to provide "real" clothing for the human body . Battle-worthy coupled with divine aesthetics...braced in bold-beauty and quality!! Thanks...and please stay in business.
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Jamie 27 of May 2020:
This was the first item I bought from armstreet and it's not quite what I expected. The fabric is a bit heavier than I would have thought "lightweight softened linen" would be (I have several other pieces of 100% linen clothing that are softer and lighter) and out of the package it was VERY stiff and crunchy. One wash in cold water and extra-low-heat dryer for a few minutes made it a little softer, so I am hoping more washes will help. ALSO the sizing is larger than most US store sizes, so make sure to check the size chart for your actual measurements!! I bought about 3-4 sizes below what I would look for in a store and it still feels slightly large for a base layer. The quality of the product does seem good overall, but I may end up using it as a top-layer dress, not a chemise.
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Kathryn 16 of May 2020:This is my absolute favorite chemise! It is incredibly comfortable. It's basic and goes with anything but the subtle details add a depth and texture that adds "realness" to it. The arm lacing are a little finicky to get just right but it's definitely worth it, or sometimes I just leave them off if I don't have time. I work at a medieval bed and breakfast and wear this chemise a LOT. It's the perfect base. I've also slept in it and even worn it with just a belt as a dress by itself! There was a spot in the skirt where a seam came loose, it looked like the stitching just went off the fabric a bit as it's not a place that takes tension at all, but a few minutes on the sewing machine and it was as good as new. That's the only flaw I've ever seen in all the Armstreet product we own and it was pretty minor and easy to fix. Overall I think this might be my favorite Armstreet item I've purchased to date!
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Stefanie 15 of May 2020:
So comfortable! The adjustable neckline and ties on the sleeves make it possible to wear this with multiple different styles of overdress. Versatile and washable. I like it!
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Rachel 12 of May 2020:
I use this as my basic chemise under a range of 14-15th century outfits. The shape is nice and slim to fit under different styles, and I like the adjustable neckline. However, I find when I tighten the neck it restricts movement through the arms/shoulders, and the sleeves become a little short. It still serves its purpose, however I just have to be careful depending on what I will be doing.
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Jordan 12 of May 2020:
A gorgeous dress! The weight of the linen is beautiful, and after its been washed a few times, it softens up considerably. The arm strings are a bit of a hassle to tie when putting it on yourself, but I guess that's what handmaidens were for!
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Tessa 12 of May 2020:
I wear this almost every night as a nightgown it is so comfy! And the quality is great! Thank you!
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Cynthia 24 of April 2019:
Beautiful! Great fabric, lovely workmanship, timely delivery. Very graceful garment.
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Deborah Cutler 29 of August 2018:
Much nicer in person than pictured. The tiny pleats in the front and on the sleeves are exquisite. The little eyelets to adjust the sleeves are pure genius. The small but beautiful details give this chemise great character. I feel transported to simpler era when I have this on.
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Lotte Knops 24 of December 2016:
I just received my customized Archeress Chemise with the sleeves from the Medieval Exclusive XIV Century Style Chemise and it is soo beautiful! It is very well made and with high quality linen. It's very thin wich is perfect for a chemise. I absolutely love it!
ArmStreet team:It`s so great to hear! Thank you very much for your feedback! Merry Christmas to you and always welcome back to ArmStreet!
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mags 01 of September 2016:
i happen to practice tying the laces on the sleeves today very beautiful i got it for the alchemists daughter dress they both came here yesterday. it is perfect with it after a little turning in at the sides because i lost a little Waite after ordering them i would like to wear the chemise on its own will it be see through both dress and under dress are very beautiful on you got the length and the sleeves size right perfect fit again thats amazing. that film willow these fabulous and beautiful clothes come from that film and others like it again fantasy become reality thank you very much again xemags
ArmStreet team:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Mags! :) Always welcome back to Armstreet!
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Amy 16 of September 2015:
Just received this chemise in the mail to wear under my 'forest princess' dress. It's fantastic! Perfect fit, and that was ordering the fixed size! I love all the little gathering details on the neck and sleeve. Can't wait to wear it to the faire this weekend!
ArmStreet team:Amazing, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences! It would be great Always welcome back to ArmStreet!
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avalyen 22 of September 2014:
Hello thankyou for this lovely chemise It fits great perfect goes well with woollen green sleeve dress
ArmStreet team:Many thanks for your reviews, Avayen! They might be very helpful for all our customers!
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Angelina Fuller 23 of February 2012:
Absolutely beautiful. Excellent for my “Sansa” costume. I think it will be great.
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25 Comments
I have this one since 2014 (sadly just worn out after many years), I love it BUT it's rather long in the sleeves, and to the floor (it was made to my measurements). If I order another one, I'll ask them to make it slightly shorter.
I am 5'6" (the height that the size guide says these dresses are made for) but the size 2 of this that I ordered is dragging on the ground with lots of length to spare. Which height should I say I am in the custom ordering in order to get a proper height for an undergarment that hits just at the bottom of the ankle / top of feet?
Dear Kristina, the chemise should be long like on the pictues of the listing. If you order custom size, please siply leave a comment to your order that the chemise should be ankle length.
When I purchased using my measurements and the size chart, I'm swimming in the dress. How do I need to alter the measurements in the custom option in order for the dress to fit snugly?
There is a chance that you have purchased wrong size. Please send us your measurements so we could advise on the size. Anyway, this chemise it not supposed to fit snug, it should be loose like on the pictures of th listing.
I just bought the chess queen gown and it is amazing, but realize that having a chemise under it may also be ideal. Would this one work? I also have the autumn princess gown and the lady tunic dress. Would it be fine ordering it in the natural fine flax linen? Appreciate it.
Dear Elizabeth, we would like to offer you this Linen Chemise instead. It does not have any lacing and will be more comfortable to wear under the dresses.
Is the chemise in the model photos in the Natural color?
Hi Stephanie! Yes, it is natural color linen.
Hi, I just wanted to know what colour linen the model was wearing in the picture? It looks white but it could be natural? thanks
Hi Sharyn, it is natural color linen.
Looking at your chemises size chart it seems that size 0 and 2 is the same size chemise -is this true?
Hi Agata, they are different sizes. You may check our size chart here.
Hello! I have ordered two dresses, two chemises, and a shawl from you and you guys are my new favorite! I live on Kodiak Island in Alaska, so I end up wearing your clothes in "real life", since they are comfortable and functional. I am interested in purchasing the "Ingrid" and the "Eydis" dresses from you and am wondering if this chemise would work under those dresses. I don't mind if it's not "authentic", since I won't be wearing them to a faire...I'll be wearing them to work. Thanks again for your beautiful work. I was a costumer for a long time and I know good workmanship when I see it. :)
Hi Erika, thank you for your feedback. Yes, this chemise will work. We can also offer you Eydis undertunic which has more suitable neckline for the Ingrid tunic.
If I order this dress in custom size, could you make this dress a little more formfitting like the "archeress" chemise? Thanks!
We can offer you the Archeress chemise made with the sleeves from the Medieval Exclusive
XIV Century Style Chemise. This custom modification will cost $15.00.
Do you have any smaller sizes available in chemise?
The smallest size available is 0. You can let us know your measurements and we will recommend you the right size.
I want to buy the chemise, but from my computer it is not showing me which of the "color/material choices" are which? What is the color on the left of the screen verses the one on the right? I would like to order this today.
The color on the left sample is White, on the right one is Natural. To make sure there will be no mistake, you can also mention the preferred color in the comments to your order and we`ll check it once we receive the order.
Hi Just trying to order this chemise in size 6 natural but cant??? Is it in stock?
The chemise is available in stock in Natural color. Please let us know what the problem with the order is, so we could help you with it.
Could this be worn as part of a viking outfit? I'm very fond of those sleeves but I don't know if is authentic for a viking outfit. Thanks!
The sleeves of this chemise are actually not authentic as for the Viking outfit, they have more of the Fantasy spirit. If you need a chemise for your viking costume, here is the one we can recommend, it will fit perfectly.
I need to order this chemise in a custom size, w/o any sleeves. I need it to wear under the Witches' Halloween chemise I previously ordered. Everything I've ordered from you has fit me perfectly!
This chemise cannot be made without the sleeves at all. We can make it with short sleeves which will end at the biceps level approximately. If it works for you, please place an order via our website and mention that you would like to have short sleeves.
Hello, I have ordered the Lady Hunter dress. Could this chemise go under that dress? I am worried about how tight the arms are on the one that goes with the dress and I like the idea of the adjustable neck line on this one.
Hi Caralee, yes it will work with Lady Hunter dress. You may also check all our chemises here.
What is the bicep measurement for sizes 2 and 4? I have a 28" waist, but am fuller in the arms, so often long sleeves are too tight.
Here is the chart - circumference of the sleeve at the upper arm in different sizes:
size 0 - 31.5 cm (12.4")
size 2 - 32.5 cm (12.8")
size 4 - 34.5 cm (13.6")
size 6 - 36.5 cm (14.4")
size 8 - 39 cm (15.4")
size 10 - 41.5cm (16.3")
size 12 - 44.5 cm (17.5")
Please note, these are real dimensions of the sleeves, so your biceps circumference should be at least 1.5 cm smaller. Hope this helps!
Hello, I would like to know how long the arms are and the length of the dress? I have 28" long arms, and I am 5'10" tall. Will you need to make special adjustments? Thank you, Heidi 641-469-6511 CST
We reccommend ordering custom size chemise. The length of the sleeves will be adjusted to your measurements.
To place your order, switch to the Custom size tab in the description of the item, click Add to cart, then Go to cart. Please tick the preferred color, then fill in your measurements in the order form and click Checkout.
Can this chemise have a decorative trim?
Can be made with trim along the hem for some extra, please specify which trim you prefer.
Are the laces around the sleeves attached? I would like to have the option of removing them if possible. Thank you.
The laces are removable, they're threaded into small woven loops, which are sewn into the shoulder joint.
What does it mean when you ask for a measurement with a floating point?
The essence of that pop-up warning is: non-integral numbers should be written as a decimal, rather than a fraction.
For example, your wrist circumference is seven inches and a half. Then write it as 7.5, not 7 1/2.
Hello, I love this chemise and would like to know if it is possible to have it made in one of the different linen/ flax colours, specifically the bright "cornflower" blue colour. Also, is it ever going to be available in "Fixed" sizes? Thank you, Sincerely, Tracy
This chemise can be made in white, natural or black color only.
To date it's available in fixed sizes, you're welcome!
Hello, i apologize for my english, hope it's not too painfull (i actually live in switzerland and talk italian...) i'm interested in the dress "the alchemist daughter" and the underdress who fits with. if i buy both how much would the shipping cost? thank you <3 Tina
We provide combined shipping; shipping of “The Alchemist's Daughter” dress and chemise will cost $41.50.
The laces around the arms are included in the price? I don´t know if they are "decorative", just there for the pictures... ;) Because I like them!
The laces are included.
could this be worn out and about..or only as underwear or night gown ??
We recommend wearing it as underwear or sleepwear. It's made of thin linen, which can be see-through when stand against the light.
Ohhh.. me like her necklace! Shoes, too. Great work guys!