© Companions of the Longbow

Belts, Bags & Pouches

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Belts

Belts during this time period are not particularly complex. For the most part, a belt a few inches longer than your waist, with a simple buckle, will do just fine. Such a belt would not have a "keeper" -- that little circle of leather meant to keep the extra belt length smooth along the belt on your body.  In a time before pockets, they were used to hang pouches, knives and anything else that was needed during day to day business.

If you’re going to purchase a belt from a dedicated re-enactor’s outlet or make one from a store bought version, make sure it isn’t too ‘high class’.

The buckle would have been made from base metals such as iron or brass and the leather would not have a lot of fancy stud work on it.

Bags and Pouches

Most illustrations of belt pouches show them hanging around the knee to lower thigh area of the wearer.  The basic belt pouch can be made out of leather or fabric.  Both versions work easiest using a simple U shape of material, sewn along the bottom and edges, and with a drawstring at the top.   A later version was certainly worn by men and is also easy to make.  Take a rectangle of material (about 7x14"); fold it and sew up the sides. Finish the top edge if necessary.

Another type of pouch is the solid leather 14th – 15th Century 'kidney' or 'bollock' pouch.  These would have been more expensive (and still are today!) but well within the price range of the yeoman farmers of the time.

The ones shown in the picture below come from  Phil Fraser and cost between £20 and £40.

A simple leather pouch

(coins not included)