A long, flowing outer garment worn by women in the 12th and 13th centuries, featuring a fitted upper body and full lower skirt.
From Old French 'bliaut' or 'bliant,' origin uncertain but possibly from Germanic roots. The garment style originated in French fashion and spread throughout medieval Europe.
The bliaut was medieval fashion's power suit—it required expensive fabric and expert tailoring, so only rich noblewomen wore it. You can spot bliaut wearers in medieval artwork because the dress has that distinctive dramatic silhouette!
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