In this guide, we delve into a surprisingly intimate aspect of medieval life: underwear. Though often overlooked by history, undergarments played a vital role in daily comfort, hygiene, and social customs. Join us as we uncover the secrets of medieval underwear in Bruges, 1386, revealing what men and women wore beneath their outer garments, how these pieces reflected the era’s culture, and what a visitor to this city might observe or learn about these hidden garments.
Setting the Scene: Bruges in 1386
By 1386, Bruges was a flourishing center of commerce and culture. The city’s wealthy merchants traded wool and textiles across Europe, attracting artists, craftsmen, and travelers. The population was diverse, with noble families, prosperous merchants, artisans, and laborers coexisting.
Fashion in Bruges reflected this social diversity. The rich adorned themselves in fine wool, silk, and imported fabrics, while the common folk wore simpler wool and linen garments. Yet, beneath the visible layers of tunics, gowns, and cloaks lay the indispensable foundation of medieval clothing: underwear. shutdown123