Why Big Collars Were Huge In The Elizabethan Era

The Elizabethan ruff is easily identified - a large, stiff, upright, usually lace collar that, in all honesty, looks uncomfortable and awkward. The Elizabethan collar that dominated fashion during the late 16th and 17th centuries, however, was an indicator of wealth, prestige, and social status.

Ruffs became increasingly large and elaborate as methods to create them advanced. Hours were spent looping, ironing, and starching lace and linen into place. Embroidery, jewels, and precious metals were added to heighten the glamour of the ruff. By the late 16th century, what was once a simple collar had transitioned to become the ultimate display of excess.

#RuffCollars #fashion #weirdhistory

[gunnerysgthartman]

You gotta respect someone who throws in a Wu-Tang reference into a discussion on Elizabethan fashion. That's a man of culture 👏 👏 👏

[willardSpirit]

I can't wait for rappers to bring these bad boys back.

Ruff Ryders fo life

[Silverlarkspur]

In one episode of Blackadder, Lord Percy comes in with a very wide ruff, Blackadder said it made him look like a "Bird that swallowed a plate". Later in the episode Percy sports a small ruff saying that tiny was in fashion. To which Blackadder remarks "In that case, you have the most fashionable brain in London."

[UATU.]

Long acrylic talons are the modern day equivalent.

[diannemose]

My cat got a ruff from the veterinarian

[jennifer_m.]

Welcome back, totally entertaining narrator guy! 😊

[deltamp]

When I was in school my history teacher told me that these ruffs were there a way of saying this is what my head would look like if it were cut off

[NASCARFAN]

It's always a good day whenever Weird History uploads

[MariaMartinez-researcher]

This trend also affected nuns. Check 'daughters of charity cornette.' Those nuns with the winged headdress were founded in 1633. Originally, they dressed like poor women of their time, with a simple veil, as I saw in a book of their history which contains portraits of their superior mothers. Then, at some point, they started to starch their veils, and you can see portrait after portrait how the points go up and up until ending in the massive cornette - which undoubtedly inspired The Flying Nun TV show.

[Ooobydoobydoo]

I was a teenager in the 80s. That whole decade was a weird fashion trend. 😂

[LaunchPadMcQuackHire]

Man, I can't even stand to wear turtlenecks 😬

[Lkydog]

Always enjoy the weird history videos especially with this original narrator

[navret]

I’ll never again complain about wearing a coat and tie.

[WildBillCox]

"When you sup with the devil, bring a long spoon." I understand the reference now.

[dvdv]

How did the medieval lady know it was me who prank called her?

She had collar ID. 😢😭

[CappyLarou]

Jams and Parachute pants, i was such a dumb kid. Lol

[masterimbecile]

So it always looks like your head is served on a plate.

[Patrick-hmeg]

Elizabeth 1st was her own fashion Police. A forerunner to Mr Blackwell.

[triadmad]

I had the good sense to dodge a hideous fashion trend. I graduated college at the peak of the disco era, and continued into adulthood without ever owning or wearing a leisure suit.

[mrsmith]

3 6ix mafia has entered the chat Poppin my Collar poppin poppin My collar🎉😎