Women's Paletote question

[cw_girl83]

Hello fellow civilian reenactors,

I am thinking of having my husband make me a paletote for those chilly winter events. However, I want to make sure it is accurate and thoroughly reserached. Could anyone give me some feedback as to when and where these were used and the best patterns available? Also, was there a common material or color that was used for these? Any feedback from the much more wise would be greatly appreciated. I tried to do a search engine for this but didn't come up with too much so if anyone has any good research on it that would be fabulous as well. Thank you in advance for your help.

[ElizabethClark]

Re: Women's Paletote question

There's a good article on outerwear in the current Citizen's Companion, written by Kay Gnagey, with illustrations... that might help you with some of the decision bits.

Definitely, a coat is a good option for cold weather (versus a cloak). The fitted waist keeps breezes out better than loose outerwear, and you can fit the coat over clothing to give more wearing ease, so you can add a wool scarf or sontag beneath it for greater warmth.

How chilly is chilly in your area?

Wool would be the best fabric, regardless... a nice wool broadcloth works wonderfully, and is usually found in weight from very light, to quite sturdy. Colors vary, but you'll need to consider how much grime you'll be exposed to--a deeper color shows grime less in most cases.

I can be more helpful with the inner layers with more information on your general historic impression, activities, and the weather you expect to defend against. (Layers for Florida 40* damp and cold are different than those for Idaho -45* dry blizzards, for instance!)

[cw_girl83]

Re: Women's Paletote question

Elizabeth,

Thanks for your advice. Most events that I go to are in the Southeast. (GA, TN, AL, NC, SC areas) so no it doesn't get all that cold but some mornings are cold enough to need a cape or shawl. I think that this would be a good accesory for me to have as an alternative to the cape or shawl. Where can i find this article you mention? Thanks!