15th century hose - Historic Enterprises

[AndrewM]

Hi guys,
are these ok for 15th century impression?

http://historicenterprises.com/mens-c-9 ... -1252.html

Any recommendations for something better?

[saracen]

Historic Enterprises' hose are great - well-made, well-researched, long-lasting... We would not buy anywhere else!

[Tod]

I've got some, you do need to wash them to keep them "shrunk" or they become a bit baggy but I've never found any thing better.

[Marcus Woodhouse]

I tend to steam rather than wash my hose. I washed a pair once and am only keeping them so that my son can wear them in a couple of years time. I myself would only be able to put them on off I never, ever moved (or breathed).

[Colin Middleton]

It's generally considered that the fabric that they use (boiled merino jersey) was not available or used in the 15th C. However they are well shaped and provide an excellent, snug fit that looks far more authentic than many custom fit hosen in more appropriate fabrics can manage. The only way you will get a better fit is to buy from specialist tailors, who are going to charge you a lot more, which is why they are popular with so many groups.

In short, if you want something that passes the 'thread coutner test', then you'd better give them a miss, but if you want hosen that work and look right at anything short of detailed examination ("madam, what are you doing to my leg?") then you'll struggle to find better.

Best wishes

Colin

[AndrewM]

Guys, thanks a lot for your honest replies. Ive ordered from them before, but never clothing.

[Sophia]

If you are looking for clothes made of more accurate cloth you need to find someone who will make them out of a medium to light weight 2:2 twill with a good firm finish. This cloth was known as Kersey in period and sometimes referred to as hose cloth. You can make them out of a plain weave cloth but it doesn't have the same stretch.

If you are going to have a go at making them yourself you will need someone else to fit them, they are cut on the bias and the bias (which shows as the diagonal on a 2:2 twill) runs vertically down the front on the leg. You can get an idea of the rough shape of the pattern by looking in 'The Medieval Tailor's Assistant' by Sarah Thursfield. For C15th they sit on the hip bones and point to the bottom of the skirts of your doublet. IIRC there is also some information and images in the Company of St George Dragons and Men's Clothing Guide, just google them.

If it is your first time I would recommend trying to source some cheap cotton twill to use for your toile as this will behave more like the woollen cloth you should use for the final item. Also they are fitted surprisingly high in the crotch like a pair of tights rather than the lower fit of modern trousers. They will not close completely over your cods, this is what the cod flap covers so don't forget that the cod flap is made in two pieces with a curve on the centre seam to shape it. If you are not wearing period linen breeches then best to wear white underwear (information on C15th breeches in Sarah's book as well).

[Colin Middleton]

I'm afraid to say that making your own hose is a whole journey in itself, though an exceedingly rewarding one when you've got a pair that fit well.

Colin