Medieval Headwear

Medieval Headwear For Sale

In ancient times prior to the Middle Ages, each headpiece performed its strongly practical purpose. Vikings’ hoods protected from moisture, Franks shawls prevented from the draughts and from the sun heat, while the crown - from cooking supper on your own. This trend has extended to the medieval headwear. In Western Europe, shape and color of the hat indicated the wearer’s occupation: doctor was usually wearing a beret, scholar opt for a black hat, and a beaver hat denoted notary.

Regular folks used to wear a cloth cap, named coif. Coifs were worn by soldiers and nobles as well, but the upper class would have to buy medieval headwear to wear on top. Hats varied, most were made of fabric or felt of a truncated cone shape, with or without brims. Awkward caps have caught the fancy of moralists and pastors, even though the head while wearing a coif resembled a large cabbage.

Another kind of common medieval headwear was a chaperone - a long-tailed hood with pelerine, which was used as a part of traveling dress. In the early 1300s someone offered to wear chaperone putting it on his head through the facial hole, so the tail and pelerine hung on both sides as an adornment. Since that moment its tail lengthened almost to the ground, making the wearer to wrap it around the neck in the manner of a scarf.

Medieval man treasured his hat; some fashionmongers even wore two hats at a time - the first on his head with the second behind his back. If you'd like to join their ranks, now is the time to check our medieval headwear store. Сomplement your period outfit with one of these gorgeous styles:

  • silk veil
  • woolen hood
  • medieval chaperone
  • veil hat
  • Viking hood

Women’s medieval headwear

In those days, a woman could not walk bareheaded. Uncovered hair was generally considered indecent and wearing a headdress was strictly ordained by the church as a sign of reverence. So women used to wear shawls and veils. Thick headbands wrapped around head and chin were equally typical for 12-13 centuries. These modest accessories could be made of expensive, brightly colored fabrics with decorative trim specifically for the rich ladies. The veils were intended to conceal women's face which was declared to be the most dangerous snare, the 'sweet evil' subtly ruling the world.

Shop for the middle ages headwear, including period and fantasy models, online at armsreet.com. We've got all kinds of hats and hoods that will make you dreaming of distant centuries!