© Companions of the Longbow

Hairstyles, Hats and Hoods

Hairstyles

There does not appear to have been any military regulations covering hairstyles.  Generally hair was medium length, though as in all periods, some soldiers preferred  the convenience of short “crew cuts”.  English soldiers are virtually always portrayed as clean shaven, but how often they shaved and whether there was any military stipulation is simply not known.

- English Longbowman, 1330-1515 (Warrior S.)  By Clive Bartlett, Gerry Embleton (Illustrator)

Illustrations by Gerry Embleton

Hats

Hat’s were worn by all classes of society and considered a necessary part of a man’s clothing.  When he was not wearing a helmet, an archer would invariably have put on a hat.  There was such a variety of style that is almost impossible to outline every possibility, but shown here are some of the most common types.

- English Longbowman, 1330-1515 (Warrior S.)  By Clive Bartlett, Gerry Embleton (Illustrator)

Hoods and Coifs

Of course, not only were there hats, there was also the typical medieval headwear, the hood.  Where would Robin Hood have been without his?

Coifs were also a worn to keep the head warm, sometimes in addition to the hat or a hood.  There were also worn under helmets to absorb sweat.  Nice!

The following link takes you to How to make a Coif: 1 and 3 piece patterns by Cynthia Virtue aka Cynthia du Pré Argent.  There you’ll find patterns on how to make a period coif.

The picture above comes from a US website called Historic Enterprises who supply period costumes.  It’s an excellent resource for period costume as they quote the source for each design.

The picture on the right comes from Kitty Hats Period Hats and Woolcrafts

The following link takes you to “How to be a HOOD-lum: Medieval hoods”

A Workshop & Notes by Cynthia Virtue aka Cynthia du Pré Argent.

Here you’ll find patterns interpreted from two 14th century English hoods.

Women’s Hair

Head cloths might be of cheap, course linen, of expensive silk or even of “cloths of fine gold all about your hair” (13th Century).  Many elaborate styles developed, but the exigencies of campaigning would dictate a certain simplicity at any period.—Medieval Military Costume by Gerry Embleton.

A woman’s hair was usually worn plaited and pinned up in various ways.  Frequent combing was necessary to it free of parasites, and this must have been a common sight around camp and castle.

Like so many other things women’s headdress was subject to local custom and courtly fashion.  It seems that married women and widows kept their hair covered and others would show it, but there were man exceptions.  A simple rectangle of cloth covered the head, sometimes pinnes up as a veil (which could also be a separate item).  Fashions for headbans, small caps, flowing hair and plaits came and went … when out of doors the head was usually covered.  - Medieval Military Costume by Gerry Embleton.

Take a look at The Costumer's Manifesto for various higher class examples of head coverings.

She looks happy!

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