Princess Mary Tudor

Women's Garment Myths

Myth: Partlets were only worn by married women all of the time.

Partlets apparantly were worn, or not worn, at the desire of the person. Partlets are for all women, not just for married women. We ladies need to wear partlets more often than I've seen done. Partlets can be very sheer. Fabric is a good protection from the sun (used before sunscreen) or the winter cold. Partlets may come with a matching, but believed to be separate pair of sleeves. The above partlet style is known as a Medici collar.

Princess Mary Tudor, by an unknown artist, c.1530. Mary is around 14 years of age. She did not marry until July 25, 1554.

Farkas, Jeff. Painting Restoration Strips Away Layers to Reveal a Treasure. Milwaukee, WI. http://www.artinwisconsin.com/public/article_full.php?user_id=107 (accessed March 20, 2006).