• Secret Codes: Some elite garments included hidden symbols sewn into linings or hems for protection or status signaling.
   

• Unisex Designs: The basic shapes of chemises were similar for men and women, reflecting practicality over strict gender differentiation in underclothing.
   

• No Buttons Yet: Fastenings were mostly laces or simple ties; buttons became common later in the medieval period.
   

The Legacy of Medieval Underwear

Though underwear was hidden beneath outer layers, its influence persists:

• Modern lingerie and underwear trace roots to medieval chemises and braies.
   

• Historical reenactments and museums in Bruges and elsewhere recreate medieval underwear to understand daily life.
   

• Fashion historians use surviving garments and art to study medieval textile craftsmanship.
   

Conclusion: The Unseen Backbone of Medieval Fashion

Underwear in 1386 Bruges was a vital part of medieval attire, essential for comfort, hygiene, and social norms. Though unadorned and unseen, these garments supported the layers above and the lives of the people beneath them.

As you stroll the historic streets of Bruges today, imagine the hidden linen shirts and braies worn by its medieval inhabitants. From bustling markets to quiet chambers, underwear was the unseen thread weaving together the fabric of medieval life. shutdown123