Why did Joan of arc wore men clothes?

Answer 1

She was said to be short, stocky, sunbrowned, with dark eyes, a red birthmark behind her left ear, and a light feminine voice. Her black hair was bobbed short.

In the "Procès de Réhabilitation" (the notes of her trial) she is described as a short, sturdy woman, with black hair. She wore man's clothes. Her hair had been cut short all around, just like a man's. Portraits of her are not available, the only one she sat for is missing. Other pictures show her with long black or light brown hair ,this may have been the artist's best guess.

According to Jean D'Aulon, Joan of Arc's steward, who often helped her to get in and out of her suit of armor and slept many times in the same room as Joan, described her as being beautiful, strong, and well-formed (shapely). The Duke D'Alencon, one of Joan's military commanders, described her in the same way. D'Aulon stated that he often saw Joan's naked legs and breasts when he had to dress her wounds in battle. He said he never felt lust for Joan, pretty as she was, because he thought it would be shameful to have such feelings for such an inspiring and religious person. Every description of Joan's hair was that it was short and black. Her eyes were described as "large, dark, and grave".

Adrian Harmand, a French scholar, discovered an order by the Duke of Orleans for several articles of clothing for Joan, of which one was a robe "of fine Brussels cloth" of 80 cm. in length. From this (a robe would go from Joan's shoulders to her knees), he determined Joan's height to be 1.58 meters, or about 5 feet, two inches, which would be short for a woman today but for the latter Middle Ages about normal or even a little above average.

Answer 2

She wore men's garb because a dress would have been very impractical in battle. Her leather boots laced up to her waist and provided her protection in battle as well as from potential rapists.

Answer 3

Joan wore men's clothing while fighting battles. Wearing womens clothing would have made it difficult to wear armour.

Answer 4

Joan of Arc disguised herself as a man so that she could fight in battle. She continued to dress like a man for practicality.

Answer 5

Joan of Arc wore medieval armor that was highly polished. Some say it was almost white and created a glow as she rode her horse.

Answer 6

Joan of Arc disguised herself by cutting her hair and wearing men's clothing. This is what made it possible for her to travel through the Burgundian territory which was quite hostile.

Answer 7

Yes, she wore men's clothing as female garb would not have been practical on the battle field. The same can be said for long hair. Joan had her hair cut short.

Answer 8

Joan wore typical garb of a male knight including boots that laced up to the waist, armour and a helmet.