I also think they wore normal clothing. I had a bit of a discussion on that earlier in my LJ. The dress laces to a V, closed at the waist and c. 15 cm open at the top. The plastron that isn't worn will be whipstitched ot one side and pinned to the other when the wearer isn't pregnant. The seam in front is opened more than it would be if the wearer wasn't pregnant and that's really the only differences. I probably should have made the sleeve holes smaller on the gown, that would have made the sleeves sit nice, but they aren't as tight on the earlier gowns as on for exampel Jane Seymour's.
But really. everything would have looked much better if teh kirtle had been tighter over the bust area and as I said: I'm tired of fixing the bodice of that kirtle. I will probably make another one instead. The kirtle is laced at the sides which gives flexibility for pregnancy while still being closed in front. Here's (http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/aleydis/costume/redkirtle.jpg) a picture.

I actually think the construction is correct and the problems are caused by inadequate sewing/fitting skills. And laziness. I will probably _have_ to fix the kirtle, but that means redoing all the lacing holes _and_ attaching the skirt again. By hand of course.

Unfortunately the velvet is only printed, but it looked so good I couldn't resist it. I see this as my "trial tudor". I will wear it to SCA events because it's pretty, but I will make another one later.

Eva