> I realise these are not 16th century, but short sleeves kirtles were > obviously worn earlier, so is it possibly that the fashion could have > continued in the later period?
In Germany you have half sleeve gowns of all sorts in the 16thC. I just recently made a very light summer version: http://costumes.glittersweet.com/sca/k/3cleves.htm I have some thumbnails that link to the full images which show the dress style in context. Earlier in the century of course there are the spit sleeves where the lower piece can be removed, these gowns may have evolved from there. Or not;) They are worn with fitted sleeves underneath usually but the Dutch dresses wear the sleeves pinned to the outside. I realise there are short sleeved robes and surcoats worn in England and at other times, so this short sleeved outerwear may not be completely helpful, but it does show short sleeves were worn. I also doubt that sleeve length was often mentioned in inventaries and wills? michaela de bruce http://costumes.glittersweet.com -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 268.1.1/271 - Release Date: 28/02/2006 _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
