The Florence Files: Putting on the Layers
Recreating 16th Century Florentine and Tuscan  Clothing and Lifestyle




Florence Files
Getting Dressed: Mid 1500's Florence:  
This shows the possible layers involved in the process of getting dressed, based on  research from LaModa a Firenze, Patterns of Fashion, Dressing Renaissance Florence, Patterns of Fashion, Moda alla Corte dei Medici, portraits and paintings, extant items available, and trial and error.

Underthings: 
First layers: 
  • the linen camicia (smock) 
  • calze (stockings/hose), 
  • scarpette (shoes)
  • Stays (unboned 'corset' for stiffening and/or for warmth.

Second Layers:
  • Faldia (underskirt) 
  • Giorgiera (partlet)can be added over the stays.
  • Saccoccia (pocket) , worn so it could be accessed via the side back slit in the sottana skirt., worn over the falda  but under the outmost layer 
  • The sottana  (sometimes as a petticoat/under dress) is worn under the veste or can also be worn as a dress on its own, depending on the fashion of the time.

Outer Layers:
  • The sottana (here worn as overdress) and accessories. In summer this could be worn without the zimarra. (A veil is usually worn by a woman who is married more than one year).
  • The sottana can also be worn with a giorgiera (partlet) with or without collar (depending on fashion).
  • The sottana is sometimes worn as an under dress with a veste (overdress worn over it)
  • For formal or outdoor/winter dressing, the sleeves, veil and zimarra (loose gown) would be added.


© K Carlisle. c 2009 (redone)

All intellectual content, original photos and layout are copyright to La Signora Onorata Katerina da Brescia (K Carlisle), except those original renaissance artworks and extant articles whose copyright remains with the current owner.
If you would like to use something from this site, please contact me, and cite this website reference.

(c). K.Carlisle, 2006-2008.

let)can be added over the stays.
  • Saccoccia (pocket) , worn so it could be accessed via the side back slit in the sottana skirt., worn over the falda  but under the outmost layer 
  • The sottana  (sometimes as a petticoat/under dress) is worn under the veste or can also be worn as a dress on its own, depending on the fashion of the time.

    		•

    Outer Layers:
    © K Carlisle. c 2009 (redone)

    All intellectual content, original photos and layout are copyright to La Signora Onorata Katerina da Brescia (K Carlisle), except those original renaissance artworks and extant articles whose copyright remains with the current owner.
    If you would like to use something from this site, please contact me, and cite this website reference.

    (c). K.Carlisle, 2006-2008.