This post comes from the highlights of Samantha Bullat’s talk on Getting Dressed in Tudor England at Tudorcon 2024.
AGetting Dressed in Tudor England: A Journey Through Layers, Fabrics, and Status
At Tudorcon 2024, Samantha Bullat, a talented tailor and dress historian, captivated the audience with her deep dive into the complex world of Tudor clothing. Drawing on her years of expertise, Samantha not only recreated Anne Boleyn’s iconic wardrobe but also brought to life the rich history behind each garment.
Samantha’s love for historical dress began when she was just in eighth grade, dreaming of dressing up like Anne Boleyn. Now, through her work with the James Turn York Town Foundation, she marries historical research with the art of clothing reconstruction, offering an unparalleled look into the world of Tudor fashion.
The Intricacies of Dressing in Tudor England
When we think of Tudor England, it’s easy to imagine the grandeur of royalty and the iconic gowns immortalized in portraits. Yet, as Samantha explains, the reality of dressing during the Tudor era was much more layered—literally!
For Anne Boleyn and women of her status, garments were not just about aesthetics—they conveyed wealth, power, and social status. Through detailed accounts of Anne’s wardrobe purchases from William Locke, the Queen’s mercer, Samantha paints a vivid picture of the types of clothing and materials Anne owned, giving us a glimpse into Tudor high fashion.
Layers of Clothing
Each piece of clothing served a practical and symbolic purpose. From the gowns and kirtles to the undergarments made of fine linens, Samantha walked the audience through each step of the dressing process:
- Gowns: Anne Boleyn’s wardrobe likely featured up to 16 luxurious gowns, including kirtles, nightgowns, and partlets.
- The Kirtle: Worn beneath the gown, the kirtle provided support and could be adorned with rich fabrics like silk and velvet.
- Partlets: These small pieces helped cover the neckline for warmth and modesty, often made of black velvet or satin.
The Symbolism of Color
One of the most fascinating aspects of Samantha’s presentation was the limited yet meaningful color palette in Anne Boleyn’s wardrobe. Much like today’s fashion trends, the Tudors had their own “Pantone colors of the year.” Black, tawny, crimson, and russet dominated Anne’s garments, signifying power, wealth, and aspiration. Black, in particular, was prized for its difficulty to achieve with natural dyes and conveyed a sense of both elegance and authority.
The Materials of the Elite
For the Tudors, fabric wasn’t just about appearance—it was a symbol of status. Samantha explained how the materials in Anne’s wardrobe, such as silk velvet, damask, and cloth of gold, were some of the most expensive and prized fabrics available. The painstaking process of weaving velvet, for example, was detailed, revealing the sheer effort and craftsmanship involved in creating these garments.
Dressing for Power
Samantha also emphasized the importance of clothing in reflecting and maintaining power. In a world where status was everything, the clothes Anne Boleyn and other Tudor women wore spoke volumes. The garments in their wardrobe were more than just practical—they were a form of communication, showcasing their place in society and their aspirations.
Watch the Full Talk
If you’re fascinated by the details of Tudor clothing and want to learn more about how Tudor women like Anne Boleyn dressed, be sure to watch Samantha Bullat’s full talk from Tudorcon 2024. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship, history, and symbolism behind each layer of clothing in Tudor England.
To explore these fascinating stories and more, you can gain full access to the Tudorcon 2024 video collection. Learn directly from expert historians about the intricacies of Tudor life, politics, and power—right from the comfort of your home.
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Heather Teysko is the creator, writer, and producer of The Renaissance English History Podcast, the original Tudor history podcast, started in 2009. She's been writing about history online for over 25 years, since her first site on Colonial American history became number one in history on Yahoo in 1998. In 2019 she created Tudorcon, which is now a yearly event, in addition to writing books, and running TudorFair.com - a whimsical Tudor Merch shop. She has been passionate about Tudor England since she first read Alison Weir's The Six Wives of Henry VIII 20 years ago, and subsequently moved to London after college to spend her time immersed in Tudor history.