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 foundational underwear garment for medieval men and women was the chemise (also known as a smock). This loose-fitting linen shirt covered the torso and extended to the knees or mid-calf.

• Men’s Chemise: Men wore a long linen shirt under their tunics. This shirt provided a barrier between the skin and coarser wool outer garments, preventing itching and protecting the outer clothes from sweat.
   

• Women’s Chemise: Women also wore a chemise, often longer than men’s, reaching down to the ankles. It served as both nightwear and underwear, absorbing sweat and oils from the skin.
   

Chemises typically had simple necklines and sleeves. They were sewn from rectangular pieces of fabric, making them relatively easy to construct and repair. The linen fabric was prized for its comfort, especially in the absence of modern washing methods.

Breeches and Braies for Men

Men in the early Middle Ages sometimes wore simple linen breeches or braies as an undergarment beneath their tunics and hose. These were loose-fitting trousers or shorts that extended to the knee or mid-thigh.

Braies were generally fastened with a drawstring or belt at the waist and served to cover the lower body. Their use was more common among working men and soldiers for practical reasons, providing freedom of movement and modesty. shutdown123