In the 14th century young men wore short tunic and pointed shoes – crackowes or poulaines – probably imported from Poland . The length of the toe (= dito del piede) indicated the rank of the wearer (= colui che indossa).
Around the 15th century (early Renaissance), men wore rich clothes: fur-trimmed (= ornata di pelliccia) tunic with voluminous sleeves (= maniche) over an embroidered shirt (= camicia ricamata). Hoods (= cappuccino) made like bereta – ‘chaperon’.
Towards the end of the century in England developed the ‘Italian Fashion’ . Men’s clothes became less enveloping (= imbustati). They wore doublets (=farsetti) as long as the waists (=vita) and very tight (= stretti) with slits (= spacchetti) on the chest (= torso). Under the doublets they had fine shirts and the sleeves permitted free movements . His hose (trousers) were tied to the waist with ‘points’ (laces = stringhe) ) and fasten with a ‘cod piece’ (flap = risvolto, patta). When they went on horseback, they used protective leather stockings, and broad toes shoes.
Besides, men wore short loose gown (= vestiti corti larghi) with long hanging sleeves (= maniche che pendono), cut to show the linings. The hais was as long as the shoulders and the flat hat had a s a jewelled rim (=olo decorato di gioielli).
Jewellery was very important also for men: they wore gold collars and a belt (= cintura) to hold a small purse (=borsellino) and a dagger (= pugnale) .
The ladies wore dress – gowns – of solid material adorned with gold, low waists ( = vita bassa) and high necklines (= colletti alti). The skirt had a train (=strascico) which was pinned up (= puntato con una spilla) at the back to show off the fur lining (= fodera di pelliccia) while they were walking. The sleeves were funnel shaped (= fatte an imbuto), and faced (covered = federate) with fur.The hood had a cape (= mantellina) hanging like a curtain (= tenda) , turned up and stiffened (= rigido e all’indietro) at the front, worn over a jewelled under-cap (= cuffietta) hiding scraped back hair (= capelli tirati indietro). Their shoes had broad toes. Materials were rich and heavy, many imported from Flanders and Italy .