Clothing, including underwear, was an important indicator of social status. Nobility and Wealthy: The wealthy could afford fine linen for their undergarments, sometimes embroidered or decorated. Their underwear was often better tailored and more comfortable.   Peasantry: Comm

Underwear in medieval times was as much about hygiene as it was about comfort. Protecting Outer Garments: Undergarments shielded the more expensive outer clothes from sweat, body oils, and dirt. Since laundry was labor-intensive, it was easier to wash the underwear regularly than to clean t

From the 12th century onward, as medieval society became more structured and fashion more refined, underwear also evolved in complexity and variety. Men’s Undergarments Men’s underwear generally consisted of two main garments: the shirt (chemise) and braies (breeches). Shi

In the early medieval period (circa 5th to 10th centuries), underwear was basic and utilitarian. Few detailed records survive, but historians and textile experts suggest that the primary undergarment was a simple linen shirt or tunic worn by both men and women. The Chemise or Smock The foundat