Video: The codpiece is the most fashionable piece of men's wardrobe in the 16th century
2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55
Fashion is very fleeting. And if today the last squeak is one thing, then tomorrow wearing it may be considered bad manners. Men's fashion has also changed over the centuries. In the 16th century, such a piece of clothing as a codpiece was popular, the function of which was to protect male dignity. But during the reign of King Henry VIII of England, the codpiece reached truly enormous sizes, becoming almost an independent accessory.
Initially, knights began to use the codpiece. Cloth and metal overlays protected the causal spot in battles. As knightly tournaments went out of fashion, the codpiece more played the role of a decorative piece of clothing, and also became a symbol of masculine strength and fertility.
Henry VIII was very fond of gulfiks. They were decorated with gold embroidery and precious stones. The courtiers behind the king giggled, they say, at the beginning, a codpiece appeared from around the corner, and then His Majesty. Behind the king, all the other men began to wear coffins. Even boys were wearing them.
History records how Fabrizio, Duke of Bologna, after a passionate meeting, was in a great hurry to appear before Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Looking at the bulge of the duke below the waist, the queen asked: "Is this a codpiece, or are you just so glad to see me?"
The popularity of codpiece did not last long. Already by the beginning of the 17th century, this detail of the men's wardrobe was rapidly decreasing in size, since among the stronger sex it became fashionable to look more effeminate.
During the time of chivalry, men were shackled from head to toe in iron. And many people often wonder how they went to the toilet in armor.
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