annieb123's Review of How to Dress Like a Tudor

by Judith Arnopp

Have you ever hankered to dress like a Tudor lord or lady, or perhaps you prefer the status of goodwife, or costermonger, or even a bawd?

For beginner historical reenactors, the path to authenticity can be bewildering and sometimes intimidating. Judith Arnopp uses her own experience, both as a historian and a medieval/Tudor lady, to make your own journey a little easier.

The author traces the transition of fashion from the relatively subtle styles popular at the court of Henry VII, through the carefully constructed royal grandeur of Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Mary I to the pinnacle of majesty and splendid iconography of Elizabeth I.

In contrast to the magnificence of court come the ordinary folk who, subject to sumptuary laws and regulations, wore garments of a simpler cut and cloth - a strata of society that formed the back bone of Tudor England.

This brief history of sixteenth century fashion examines clothing for both rich and poor, adult and child, and offers tips and tricks on how to begin to sew your first historically inspired garment, this book is aimed at helping the beginner learn How to Dress like a Tudor.

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

How to Dress Like a Tudor is an accessible and well written overview of Tudor dress by Judith Arnopp. Released 30th Sept 2023 by Pen & Sword, it's 224 pages and is available in hardcover format.

There are masses of information here about how different socioeconomic classes dressed during the Tudor period (1485-1603). The author has an informal but precise style of writing and the chapters are liberally sprinkled with clear photography and graphics. The book is well annotated throughout and the bibliography will provide many hours of further reading. The chapters are arranged by item of clothing: underpinnings, kirtles, overgowns, accessories, shirts, codpieces, headwear, men's gowns & coats, men's accessories, children's clothing, and a really great chapter on recreating the looks for modern wearers, including pattern drafting, construction, and modern fabric choices to mimic period pieces.

Five stars. This would be a super choice for public or school library acquisition, for home use, theatre/costume groups, and a must-have for SCAdians and re-enactors.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Reading updates

19 October, 2023: Started reading

19 October, 2023: Finished reading

19 October, 2023: Reviewed