Houpelande

An outer garment worn c1340-1450 (most fashionable late in this period) in England, France, italy and more northerly arts or europe. The garment is characterised by a very full body which extends outwards gaining fabric from the shoulders, and is then belted into pleats to contain it's fullness somwhat. Houpelades generally have very silly sleeves which widen from the shoulder, often ending in fancy patterned dags, or they may be garthered into a cuff at the wrist leaving a very puffy sleeve.

Men's houpelades reached only mid thigh, worn over hose, while women's houpelades extended to the floor.

external links: http://www.damehelen.com/houpe/index.html http://www.virtue.to/articles/circle_houp.html