Why did noble women wear layers of clothing in medieval england?
The ‘typical’ medieval layers are undertunic/chemise, an overdress or two (sometimes called a kirtle) and surcoat of some sort (a sleeveless cylas, a sideless surcoat, or even a houppenlande, a very full garment). There are a few reasons for the layers. One, England is cold now but during the middle ages there was also a ‘mini ice age’ which made it even cooler than our current standards. Layers help keep you warm. However, there is a limit to how many layers you can wear and still move which is why some garments were initially sleeveless. For another, when you only own a few garments, and don’t wash the ones you do have very often, you need to wear something underneath that can be washed more frequently. That is why underthings are white linen for the most part. It washes and holds up well (not to mention being a lot more comfortable against the skin than wool). Lastly, when fabric is very labor intensive to produce it becomes very costly. Part of showing your wealth in medieval times
