lady dress half sleeves front open with hand kaajA kirtle (also known as a cotte or cotehardie) is a garment worn by both men and women in medieval Europe. It eventually became a one piece garment for women from the late Middle Ages to the Baroque period. The kirtle was typically worn over a chemise or underdress, which served as an undergarment. Kirtles were part of fashion until the mid 16th century, remaining a part of rural or middle class clothing into the 17th century. Kirtles began as loose