Nortish dress codes

A country labouress in traditional habit.

Nortan clothing, or Nortch clothing refers to the modern and traditional clothing attire worn in Great Nortend, not just in Nortend. Nortan clothing is generally quite similar to Western clothing; however, it is a distinct variety and retains a unique appearance.

Country dress

The costumes worn in the countryside of rural Great Nortend varies greatly between localities and employment in details, but generally they are of the same basic design. Both the labouring classes and the gentle classes wear similar clothing in the country, although materials, quality, trimming and cost differ. It is also often worn when travelling, exercising or playing sports.

A linen shirt, or chemise is worn as the under garment. Men will wear long underlinens covering the legs, and the shirt has a soft collar attached with buttons which often closed with a woollen necktie. Women wear a pair of minimally boned bodices or fully boned stays over the chemise to support the chest depending on occupation.

Men typically wear "knees" with thick woollen stockings with garters over their underlinens, held up by braces. Knees are similar to knickerbockers or plus-fours and are usually in browns, dark blues or greens. Women wear a number of petticoats, usually two or three, over their chemise and bodice. These are usually around ankle length, although they tend to be around mid-calf length in the North. Over the petticoats a long skirt is worn. Usually skirts are at the natural waist, and are in a durable woollen fabric. Woollen stockings are worn with garters.

Over the shirt, men wear a woollen coat which is sually 'sack like' and single breasted with notched labels. It does not always match the knees and often has a contrasting collar in a corduroy or felt. A waistcoat or jumper may be worn under the coat. Women over their chemise and bodice wear a short-gown with collar, often an apron, and a shawl over the shoulders and fastened at the front.

A woollen flat cap, a felted bonnet or felt hat in subdued colours is worn by men. A linen cap, which covers the hair, and a woollen or felt bonnet or hat thereover is worn by women. In summer, a straw hat may be worn instead by both sexes. For footwear, leather boots or wooden soled clogs with leather uppers are worn by all, although men typically use laces and women buckles.

Town dress

A typical clerk in a winter flannel suit.

Town dress is worn informally in 'town' and elsewhere on more formal occasions such as at church, luncheons &c. It consists of what would be considered traditional 20th century day dress. More formal styles are not discussed here.

Much the same as country dress, underlinens, shirts and chemises are worn. Over this a second shirt or blouse is worn with collars. Bodices or stays are worn by women over the chemise and under the blouse. Starched detachable collars are de rigueur in town for men, and popular among working women as well, although lace is popular for ladies of leisure. Collars are worn with a silk or woollen tie by men. Women may wear ruffs, ribbons, lace or other suitable accessories, often with a brooch.

Men during the day usually wear a matching day suit of coat and trousers held up by braces, over silk or woollen stockings. Women wear a jacket and over petticoats, a skirt. Depending on class and occasion, this may be silk, cotton, linen or wool. Often a silk or woollen belt is worn to emphasise the waist.

A felt hat, such as a Pickwell hat or a round hat, or a straw boater in summer is worn by men, whilst women typically wear a linen cap with a woollen, felt, silk or straw bonnet or hat. Men wear laced or buttoned leather boots whilst women wear buckled or buttoned leather shoes.