Early Medieval Tunic with stripes, Western Europe, 9-11th century (Poland, Holy Roman Empire, Frankish Empire)

The four-gore tunic represents one of the most widespread garment types in early medieval Europe (circa 9th–11th century). Its simple, functional construction is well supported by both archaeological evidence and iconographic sources across Northern and Central Europe.

This type of garment is clearly depicted in manuscripts such as the Codex Aureus of Pułtusk (Codex Aureus Pultoviensis) and the Stuttgart Psalter (Paris, BNF, Latin 9448), where figures are shown wearing knee-length tunics with a straight body and a flared lower section created through inserted gores. Similar forms appear throughout Western and Central European visual culture, including regions of:

• the early Polish Kingdom,
• the Holy Roman Empire,
• the Carolingian and post-Carolingian world,
• and Great Moravia.

Archaeological finds, such as the Bocksten Tunic and textile fragments from Kragelund, further confirm the use of construction techniques based on rectangular panels and inserted gores. These solutions allowed for efficient fabric use while significantly improving mobility and durability.

The most important element of this tunic is the fabric.
We use exclusively hand-woven wool textiles in a 2/2 twill weave, produced using traditional techniques. All fabrics are plant-dyed, resulting in natural, historically plausible colors consistent with early medieval dyeing practices. The twill weave provides strength, flexibility, and excellent thermal properties while remaining fully appropriate for early medieval reconstructions.

Our work combines archaeological evidence with iconographic sources—manuscript illustrations, reliefs, and early medieval visual representations—allowing us to create garments that are both source-based and functional. The tunic can be worn as a standalone outer garment or as a base layer under cloaks, coats, or mail.

Key Features

• Early medieval four-gore tunic

• Based on iconographic sources and archaeological finds

• Inspired by the Bocksten Tunic, Kragelund Tunic and Western European Iconography

• Fabric: 100% wool

• Weave: hand-woven 2/2 twill

• Dyeing: natural plant dyes
  

• Suitable for reenactment, living history, and educational use

Sizing

Please select the appropriate size according to the size chart below.

We add the necessary ease to all measurements to ensure the garment can be worn comfortably and in accordance with historical authenticity.

If your measurements differ from those listed below, please send us a message with your exact measurements, and we will adjust the garment accordingly.

Ordering & Production Time

• This is a made-to-order garment.

• The standard production time is up to 2 months.

• An express order option is available:

  • production time: up to 7 days

  • +25% surcharge added to the base price

Historical Use

This tunic is intended for:

• Early medieval reenactment

• Scandinavian, Baltic, and Central European contexts

• Living history and educational displays

• Camp and combat use

No decorative or anachronistic elements are added. This garment is designed for reenactors who value authentic materials, documented cuts, and historically consistent craftsmanship over costume aesthetics.