A padded hoop worn around the waist to widen the skirts at the hip area, causing the skirt to drape. Elizabeth I when a Princess wearing a Spanish farthingale (Royal Collection), Anne of Denmark wearing a drum farthingale (National Maritime Museum) Dress

Sumptuary laws restricted the colours that Tudor men and women could wear. For example, Henry VIII and the rest of the royal family were the only ones who were permitted to wear purple.A skirt stiffened with hoops of progressively increasing circumference, worn as an undergarment to add volume to the skirt. Sixteenth century women wore linen caps under their elaborate headwear which developed in style throughout the century and into Elizabeth I’s reign. As the Tudors ended with Elizabeth I and the Stuart era progressed, various kings would influence male fashion. For example, Charles II brought in the three-piece suit. So we all know of King Henry VIII, yes? The ruler of England during the 1500s who had six wives? Of course, we do.

If you are trying to source the perfect way to delight your guests at any Halloween fancy dress party then your hunt is over! Henry VIII costumes are a classic guise and an immediately recognisable outfit from Medieval Times. Catherine of Aragon wore the English hood, or gable, with its distinctive triangular framing of the face. A thin strip of baleen (whalebone), steel or wood worn to stiffen the front of a pair of stays or bodice. Tudor King Henry VIII of England was King of England from 21 April 1509 until his death on 28 January 1547. He is undoubtedly one of the most flamboyant and controversial figures in history.

He was a man who loved food and drink. He was fond of the hunt, and (supposedly) pretty good-looking. Sure, he was educated and yes, he had a way with the ladies (we need not even mention his sumptuous colorful clothes), but let's not forget the most important part, shall we? He was King of England. We're talking power here. Power to execute people who got in his way, re-work England's constitution, and of course, start up a new church with himself as the head when he didn't agree with the old church. Henry sure knew how to get his way. Design & Details

Heavily starched and elaborately pleated ruffs were fashionable throughout the period. A specialist laundress was employed to clean the ruff daily.