Medieval Undergarments - Yoremade

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Medieval Undergarments - Yoremade Every solid medieval kit starts with the right base layer. Medieval undergarments were the foundation of daily dress for men and women across the full medieval period, worn directly against the skin to protect outer garments from sweat and wear. We carry both men's and women's options, handmade and cut for comfort and authenticity. What Did People Actually Wear Under Their Medieval Clothes? The base layer had a straightforward job: keep the skin comfortable, add warmth, and protect expensive outer garments from daily wear. Linen was the standard fabric across the medieval period, chosen for its breathability and durability. Cotton and linen/cotton blends are a practical modern equivalent that offer similar comfort and wash easily. What historically separated a peasant's undergarments from a nobleman's was not the cut, which changed relatively little, but the quality of the fabric. Men's Medieval Undergarments A complete men's medieval base layer consists of three pieces: a shirt or under-tunic on top, braies on the bottom, and a coif on the head. The shirt was worn under every outer garment regardless of class or century. Braies, the loose linen drawers of the medieval period, tied at the waist and provided the attachment point for hose. The coif, a simple close-fitting cap tied under the chin, completed the base layer and was worn by men across all social classes from the 12th century onward. For our men's options, the Bonifacio is a fitted under-tunic suited to later 14th century impressions, while the Rodrigo is a looser shirt cut for earlier period wear. Both work as a practical and authentic base layer for SCA, LARP, and medieval faire kits. Women's Medieval Undergarments Women's medieval dress was built on a single base layer: the chemise, also known as a smock or shift depending on period and region. A loose, ankle-length garment worn directly against the skin, it sat beneath a kirtle, cotehardie, or gown and served as both u