Coif - 12th Century
Epic Armoury's 12th-century coif is a simple, close-fitting cap that covers the hair and ears — a Middle Ages staple worn alone or as a base layer by nearly everyone. Under a helmet or mail coif, it's essential for keeping hair from snagging in the metal and making the fit far more comfortable.
Breathable cotton keeps the head cool during activity, and two simple ties under the chin keep it from sliding around while moving. Styled after high-medieval fashion, coifs like this stayed in use through the late medieval period, so it fits a wide range of kits.
Flat-sewn seams prevent the pressure marks that usually come from stacked headgear, and the coif also acts as a sweat barrier, helping keep more expensive hats and helmets looking good longer.
Highlights
- Broadly worn headwear across every class, from knights to peasants
- Breathable cotton manages heat and moisture through long events
- Keeps hair from pulling under mail or a helmet
- Flat seams stay comfortable even stacked under heavy gear
- Simple to wash after a dirty weekend
- Spans the medieval period, normalized in the 12th century but worn well into the late Middle Ages