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 the outer garments.
   

• Temperature Regulation: Layering underwear helped medieval people regulate body temperature in varying climates. Linen was breathable in summer and warm in winter when layered.
   

• Modesty and Social Norms: Wearing underwear adhered to social expectations of modesty, particularly in Christian Europe, where exposure of the body was discouraged.
   

• Sleepwear: The chemise doubled as nightwear, providing warmth and modesty during sleep.
   

Evidence from Medieval Art and Literature

Medieval manuscripts, paintings, and written records provide clues about underwear.

• Illuminated Manuscripts: Some medieval illustrations show figures with visible chemises beneath their outer clothes, especially in scenes of dressing or undressing.
   

• Literary References: Medieval texts occasionally mention underwear, often in relation to marriage, hygiene, or social customs.
   

• Archaeological Finds: Though fabric rarely survives, textile fragments and garment reconstructions from medieval graves and sites confirm the use of linen shirts and braies. shutdown123