Wimple, 12th-15th C.

The throat covering known as the wimple seems to have been based on the head scarf called the khimār worn by women in the Holy Land. It was brought to Europe in the early 12th century by returning Crusaders and was adopted by married women, widows and members of religious orders. Alone or together with a veil the wimple remained a staple of the adult woman’s wardrobe from the 12th century thru the end of the 15th C.  In the 14th C, the wimple was arranged to expose the hair, which had been dressed in ‘buns’ over the temple, with the veil over top. (See product photo) In the 15th C. the hair is completely covered by the wimple. 

Although it is likely that the medieval wimple was simply a draped piece of cloth, our funnel-shaped wimple has been designed to be fuss free and nearly fool proof. It slips on over the head and adjusts to frame the face without pins or ties. The bottom edge may be tucked into the neckline of the gown or arranged as desired.

Our wimple echos the headwear seen on the tomb brass of Margaret De Camoys, Trotton, (1315); Joanna de Bohun in Hereford Cathedral, (1327); The Descent from the Cross (1435/38) and Seven Sacraments altarpiece (1445/50) by Rogier van der Weyden; and the Merode altarpiece by Robert Campin (1425/28))

Pure Linen.
Shown with veil (not included).