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SaṁainGoat
As always, there's a kulak essay for that...
https://www.anarchonomicon.com/p/no-medieval-armies-didnt-look-like?utm_source=publication-search
https://www.anarchonomicon.com/p/no-medieval-armies-didnt-look-like?utm_source=publication-search
CatSoc 
can’t read it either, but the headline makes it sound like historical nerds are making a big fuss over nothing. I think hollywood does have a problem with putting a grey filter over medieval period piece movies and shows but I am able to just enjoy it for what it is
Sorry, forgot she paywalls old articles. Here's an archive link.
Her point is that they did used to brightly dye and embroider their clothes, but that their clothes were hard-used and probably faded and wore out quite quickly.
https://archive.is/p8b5d
Her point is that they did used to brightly dye and embroider their clothes, but that their clothes were hard-used and probably faded and wore out quite quickly.
https://archive.is/p8b5d
I think faded color fabric is a fair argument for the people that labored, but I still take issue with the fact that hollywood makes all peasants wear clothes that look like soiled and tattered brown potato sacks. as the article mentions it is true that most people had 1 or 2 complete dresses, but they were very high quality and meant to last.
when it comes to people of nobility, I maintain that modern day movies and tv show costumers are allergic to brightly colored fabrics that would have been historical. and even when colors are present, they are muddled and darkened. I have doubts about the faded textile argument when it comes to nobles because they would rarely be active in the sun enough for that to happen. I think medieval movies during the 50s and 60s were the last to get it right. we just kind of have to accept that anything medieval now will have a gloom and doom palette, a dark age before bright colors were invented.
when it comes to people of nobility, I maintain that modern day movies and tv show costumers are allergic to brightly colored fabrics that would have been historical. and even when colors are present, they are muddled and darkened. I have doubts about the faded textile argument when it comes to nobles because they would rarely be active in the sun enough for that to happen. I think medieval movies during the 50s and 60s were the last to get it right. we just kind of have to accept that anything medieval now will have a gloom and doom palette, a dark age before bright colors were invented.
Ponces would show off their clothing wasnt faded and it would be a gigantic mideval dickwaving contest over the most vibrant fabrics among both peasants and nobility. Especially with purple, until very recently historically speaking purple faded like a motherfucker.
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2during the 14th century it became such a problem with the nobility over lowly prostitutes flaunting their vibrantly colored and embroidered clothing they received as gifts or bought with their money that sumptuary laws were passed to prohibit them from wearing it and mogging the nobles in their own fashion
Additionally military uniforms especially self provided ones during the early to middle medieval period I would assume would be vibrant as all hell because its a giant fucking banner of "PLEASE DONT STAB ME IM ON YOUR FUCKING SIDE" during balls to the walls skirmishes.