The Léine,
an item of traditional Gaelic attire, used for century upon century.
A bright, beautiful and easy to wear garment, it is the archetypal image
of the medieval Gael culture. The Léine is an ankle length linen
tunic which is worn at knee length with the help of a belt. Our Léinte
(plural) continue the centuries old tradition. Made to the highest standards,
our Léinte use only pure linen. We have a variety of shades,
but mostly they are of a yellow colour, as tradition dictates. The distinctive
hanging sleeve is replicated from original sources and we do not use
Renfair versions with 'drawstrings' (as often found in the USA), on
the arms as these are not historically correct. Also, you may notice
some other producers of the Léine insist on making the sleeve
opening at the wrist. The sleeve opening should start at around the
bend of the elbow.
Wear
one of our Léinte with pride, knowing that you are historically
correct and carrying on an ancient Gaelic tradition.
Orders
for Pipe-bands and individuals can be taken, Contact
Us for details.
PLEASE
NOTE:
— We post worldwide.
— We
use only 100% linen, as our ancestors did.
— All
sizes are given in inches.
The Léine has
traditionally been a loose fitting garment and one size can fit many.
However, some sizing is important and we have included a guide below:
A = the measurement
across the top of the back, from one shoulder to the other.
B = The measurement from
the neck opening to the outer edge of the shoulder.
C = From the shoulder
seem down to the top of the sleeve opening. It is important that the
top of the sleeve opening should be around the bend in the arm.
D = The sleeve opening
should be about ten to twelve inches. The bottom part of the opening
should fall roughly to the wrist.
E = The measurement is
for the full length of the sleeve, which usually reaches down to about
the knees. The sleeve, in very extravagant cases, can reach almost to
the ground.
F = The chest measurement.
This is measured in single width and will be a little looser than you
would normally wear a loose T-shirt. For example, a measure of 22 is
equivalent to a 44 inch chest, but on the Léine is suitable for
a 38, 40 and 42 inch chest.
H = The hem measurement.
A measure is 30 represents a full round measure of 60 inches.
J = The length from the
neck to the hem.
Most important measurements
are A, B, C, D. These are the sizes that give a semi-fitted look.
