People in the Middle Ages relied primarily on practical clothing, particularly wool, to stay warm, alongside heating methods like hearths and braziers in homes.
While fireplaces provided warmth indoors, outdoor life and unheated buildings required effective personal insulation. One key material was wool, known for its ability to trap air and provide warmth even when damp.
The Power of Wool
Wool was a staple fabric for medieval clothing across social classes. Its natural properties made it ideal for combating cold:
- Insulation: Wool fibers are crimped, creating small air pockets that trap heat.
- Moisture Wicking: Wool can absorb a significant amount of moisture without feeling wet, and it retains much of its insulating properties even when damp.
As highlighted in the reference, people would wear wool, even when wet, to "stay cozy". This is crucial because, as the reference notes, hypothermia can occur in surprisingly mild temperatures (below 60°F), making effective cold-weather gear essential. Even for men living outside where rain was a factor, their wet woolen clothing offered continued thermal protection.
Layers and Garments
Medieval clothing was often layered to maximize warmth. Typical garments included:
- Undergarments: Linen shirts or shifts worn close to the skin.
- Mid-Layers: Tunics or kirtles made from wool.
- Outerwear: Hooded cloaks, mantles, or coats, often thick wool or lined with fur for the wealthy.
| Garment Type | Common Material | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Underwear | Linen | Moisture absorption, comfort |
| Innerwear | Wool | Primary insulation |
| Outerwear | Wool, Fur | Protection from elements |
Other Methods
Beyond clothing, other methods contributed to staying warm:
- Fires and Hearths: Homes, castles, and common areas had open fires for heating and cooking.
- Braziers: Portable metal containers holding hot coals were used in various rooms.
- Sharing Body Heat: Huddling together, especially during sleep, was a common strategy.
- Insulation: Simple insulation in homes, like wattle and daub walls or thatch roofs, helped retain some heat, though draftiness was common.
- Diet: Eating hearty foods provided energy and helped the body generate heat.
Staying warm in the Middle Ages was a combination of choosing the right materials for clothing, utilizing available heating sources, and employing practical, often communal, methods to conserve body heat.
