Anglo-Saxon Clothing

ANGLO-SAXON CLOTHING

Clothing worn in the Anglo-Saxon period was
made from either sheep’s wool or linen, which was
made from a plant called flax.

Women would spin, dye and weave the wool which
would be made into tunics. Linen tunics would be
worn underneath. In very cold weather woollen cloaks
would be worn for extra warmth.

Clothing had no buttons and would be fastened
using buckles and brooches. The rich would wear
buckles made of gold and decorated with precious
stones.

Both men and women wore shoes or sandals of
leather which were then fastened with leather laces.
Leatherwork was a common profession in Anglo-
Saxon times.

Jewellery was worn by all as the Anglo-Saxons
were very skilled craft workers. Bronzesmiths and
silversmiths made practical decorative items such as
armour knives, spears and swords, but also had the
skills to make beautiful jewellery too.
Brooches were often large and heavy so that they
fastened clothes, but more delicate pendants and
Beads and bracelets were also worn.