Did medieval people wear bright clothes?

Answer 1

If one looks at the Bayeux Tapestry and other such wall hangings of the period, it would appear that people of this period did wear some bright clothes. The choices of colour were limited to dyes that could be obtained. Dyeing was one of the worst jobs (listed in the World's 100 worst jobs) about. Dyes had to be extracted from berries and such but mixed with such things as urine to obtain a permanent colour. These brigh clothes were more common amoung wealthier people such as landed gentry or titled people. The senior clergy also wore bright colours. The peasnts however mainly wore the natural drab colours of homespun materials, wool, leather or similar products. I person might have one set of 'good' clothing for special occasions or church, but even then colours didn't predominate. The Scots and Irish of the time did have a relatively large range of colours in their kilts (a kind of combination blanket, shawl and body covering in one. Usually of 9 yards of material and not the little 'skirt' type effort seen today.) Many Clan tatans had reds, greens, blues and yellows and could be quite bright depending on the design. My own family tartan is predominantly in reds and has been for the last 1000 years. Other tartans could be of a more dull colouration in blacks and dark greens. In Europe, cities such as Ghent, Brughes and the like had many citizens (particularly artisans) wearing bright colours during the period.