Dressing a Tudor Queen: Historically Accurate 1530s Clothing

Learn about clothing fit for a wife of Henry VIII! I’ve loved Tudor history, especially the six wives of Henry VIII, since I was a kid and it has always been a dream of mine to have an historically accurate Tudor gown! A couple years ago, I finally felt that my sewing and research skills were up to the challenge. The outfit consists of a linen smock, a wool and silk satin petticoat, a silk satin kirtle, and a fur-trimmed gown, and is completed with a “gabled hood“ (a modern fashion history term for the bonnet, front, paste, and edging that make up this style of headwear). There are a lot of misconceptions about Tudor clothing (they didn’t wear corsets!) so I hope this sheds some light on the various layers and accessories involved in dressing a Tudor queen like Anne Boleyn or Jane Seymour. References: Arnold, Janet. Patterns of Fashion 4: The Cut And Construction Of Linen Shirts, Smocks, Neckwear, Headwear And Accessories For Men And Women C. 1540 - 1