Coif and Coiffe for medieval re-enactment
- Available
-
Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
- Item out of stock
- Item out of stock
What is a coif? – Coif, coiffe and coif explained
The Bundhaube – known as a coiffe in French and a coif in English – is a bonnet-shaped headdress that completely covers the hair and is tied under the chin with ribbons. It is precisely this fastening with ribbons that gave it its German name: Bundhaube. All three terms describe the same garment; the choice of word depends solely on the linguistic region.
Pictorial and written sources from the Middle Ages attest to its widespread use across all social classes – from simple craftsmen to the nobility. The coiffe was thus one of the most commonly worn head coverings in medieval Europe.
A brief note on modern linguistic confusion: the term ‘coif’ in slang today colloquially refers to a striking or distinctive hairstyle – the historical headdress has nothing to do with this. Similarly, the term ‘coif hairstyle’ in modern usage refers to a characteristic haircut, not the medieval bonnet. If you’re looking for the historical coif, you’ve come to the right place.
The coif in the Middle Ages: who wore it, when and why?
From the early to the late Middle Ages, the coif was a standard male headdress worn across all social classes. Historically accurate examples are generally natural-coloured or white – coloured coifs are not archaeologically attested, but have their place in LARP re-enactments and costumes.
Typically, the coiffe was not worn on its own, but as an under-cap combined with other medieval headgear such as a hood, a hat, a cap or a beanie. It protected the hair, improved the fit of the headgear worn over it and served as a padding layer under helmets.
Women in the Middle Ages wore different types of bonnets – such as the ‘Gebende’ for married women or various headscarves and veils. The classic banded bonnet with ties is primarily documented for men, which is why it is mainly used in men’s attire in historical re-enactments today.
Focus on materials: linen, cotton and leather
| Material | Suitability | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 100% linen | Historical | Lightweight, breathable, the most historically likely material – cotton was scarcely available in medieval Europe |
| 100% cotton | LARP | Affordable, easy to care for, wide range of colours – ideal for beginners to LARP and costume performances |
| Cotton-lined (canvas) | LARP | Lined version with wide straps – more comfortable to wear, better protection against the wind |
| 100% leather | Special design | Sturdy alternative, particularly suitable as a padded cap under helmets |
Collar hood types: From the simple hood to the padded hood
Simple banded cap
The basic style with cotton ties – available in natural, black, brown, red and other colours. Ideal for beginners, LARP events and light-hearted costume play. Easy to care for and affordable.
Padded hood
With wide ties and a canvas lining for greater comfort. Particularly suitable for longer events and colder seasons. Also available in linen for more authentic re-enactments.
Padded Eisenbrück hood
Specially padded headguard for helmet wearers in stage combat and re-enactment. Protects the head from blows, ensures the helmet sits correctly and absorbs impact energy – not an optional extra, but essential equipment.
For beginners and advanced users: tips on making the right choice
A simple natural-coloured cotton neck guard is the ideal first purchase. It suits almost any historical portrayal, is affordable and easy to care for. With a price starting at around 10 euros, it is one of the most affordable accessories for medieval costume – and one of the most effective.
Coloured hoods in black, red, green or brown are well-suited to and popular for LARP reenactments. For longer events, a lined version with wide canvas straps is recommended – it fits better and stays securely in place even when moving.
For historically oriented re-enactments, you should choose a hood made from 100% linen in natural colours. Linen was the most historically likely material – lighter than wool and comfortable to wear under other headgear. Coloured versions are less suitable for this purpose, as there is no historical evidence for them.
If you wear a helmet, the Eisenbrück padded cap is a must-have. It protects the head from blows, ensures the helmet stays securely in place and absorbs impact forces. For this use, the padding is not an optional comfort feature, but a safety requirement. Available in natural, brown and black, in sizes S/M and L/XL.
Combining the head cap correctly: suitable headgear and clothing
The classic use of the padded cap is as an under-cap: it protects the hair, gives the headgear worn over it a firmer hold and prevents the hat or hood from slipping on the head. This combination is well documented historically and creates a neat, polished look.
Under medieval helmets, the banded cap – in its padded version – serves a safety-related function: it absorbs impact forces, protects the skull and ensures that the helmet does not rest directly on the head. Anyone involved in stage combat or re-enactment should not compromise on comfort here.
Stylistically, the coiffe effortlessly completes a medieval outfit. Combined with a medieval shirt, a tunic or a tabard, plus a matching belt and medieval shoes – and the overall look is harmonious, ready for a visit to the market or a LARP event.
Buying a coiffe: colours, sizes and prices at a glance
Simple cotton bonnets in natural, brown, red or black. Ideal for first-time reenactments, costumes and LARP. Easy to care for, available in sizes S–XL – we recommend referring to the size chart on the respective product page.
Lined hoods made from canvas or 100% linen. For LARP events requiring greater comfort and for historically accurate re-enactments. Natural colours are the first choice, with coloured variants available for LARP.
Padded Eisenbrück helmet liner for helmet wearers in stage combat and re-enactment. Available in natural, brown and black, in sizes S/M and L/XL. From brands such as Burgschneider, Battle Merchant, Leonardo Carbone, House of Warfare and Vehi Mercatus – a total of over 56 items in the range.
A coif is one of the most affordable yet effective accessories for your medieval attire – whether as a simple everyday piece in natural colours, a colourful LARP accent, or a padded protective liner for your helmet. Browse through the range and find the perfect coif for your character.
Frequently asked questions
All three terms refer to the same garment: a bonnet-shaped headdress that covers the hair and is tied under the chin with ribbons. ‘Bundhaube’ is the German term, ‘coiffe’ the French, and ‘coif’ the English. The choice of term depends solely on the language region or the respective historical context.
Historically, linen was the most likely material for coifs – it is lighter than wool and breathable, whilst cotton was scarcely available in medieval Europe. For re-enactment performances, a coif made from 100% linen in natural colours is therefore recommended. For LARP and costumes, cotton versions are an affordable and easy-care alternative.
A padded hood – such as the Eisenbrück models in our range – is a padded hood specifically designed to be worn under helmets. It absorbs the impact of blows during re-enactment combat, ensures the helmet sits correctly and protects the top of the head. For active helmet wearers in re-enactment or martial arts, it is not an optional luxury, but safety-critical equipment.
Crests are usually available in sizes S to XL based on head circumference. Measure the circumference of your head at forehead level and compare the measurement with the size chart on the relevant product page. If you are unsure, we can advise you over the phone.
Historical records show that the classic hood with ties was primarily worn by men. Women in the Middle Ages wore different types of headwear – in the High Middle Ages, for example, the ‘Gebende’ for married women, along with headscarves and various types of veils. For female figures, we therefore recommend medieval headwear specifically designed for women.