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Despite common misconceptions, the common clothing of Gael s in the Middle Ages was not that of a Kilt , especially as we know it today. Clothing generally consisted of a ''léine'' (a knee-length shirt, sometimes dyed with Saffron ), a ''brat'' (a very short cloak or mantle with Plaid or other coloration), a Belt , and sometimes Brac or Trews (tight Trousers ). Additionally, various types of Coats , such as the padded ''ionar'' (pronounced ''Ōnar'' or ''Īnar'' depending on riegon), Robe s, Boot s, and Shoe s were worn. There is evidence of the Belted Plaid (the precursor to the modern kilt) being worn in the Middle Ages, certainly by the 16th Century . What Women wore is less known; it is often suggested that it was similar, though ' Dresses ' existed, though these may have just been Female versions of robes. Trews or trousers were not often worn by the Middle nor Upper Classes , being considered more appropriate for the poorer classes. As well, they were often worn by soldiers in warfare, especially Cavalry , since trews enabled them to better straddle a Horse . Additionally, colors on one cloak were limited to type and number by one's station in society; the more colors, the higher one's station. The Aristocracy also had a habit of wearing artfully decorated robes, and most middle class and higher also wore a variety of both simple and complex Jewelry , featuring various Precious and Semi-precious Stones . Cleanliness was extremely important to Gaels. They bathed daily and made it a habit to remove their body hair, to make themselves easier to clean. Facial hair often consisted of only a Mustache , but different styles of beard were also worn. Indeed, it was dishonor for a Gaelic man to have no facial hair. Hair was worn long and styled with Braid s, or styles similar to Cornrows , or other elaborate hairstyles that probably took a bit of practice to develop, including the Glib (a bald head except bangs covering the eyes, often worn with a mustache and common to Hebridian Gaels) and Mohawk style, worn by the Irish bog mummy Clonycavan Man . |
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