Underwear served as a social marker, though more subtly than outer garments. Quality of linen, fit, and cleanliness could indicate status. Wealthy families invested in finer linen and more tailored undergarments. For the poor, underwear was often coarse and worn until threadbare.

Religious and cultural norms emphasized modesty. Nudity was associated with shame and sin, so underwear helped maintain propriety. Marriage customs and rituals also involved the symbolic display or gifting of undergarments, underscoring their cultural importance.

How Underwear Affected Daily Life in Bruges

Hygiene Practices

Despite the rarity of full-body baths, medieval people cared about cleanliness, especially regarding underwear. Undergarments were changed and washed more often than outerwear. Linen could be boiled and scrubbed to remove oils and dirt, helping prevent skin irritation and infection.

Sleepwear

Undergarments doubled as nightwear. The chemise was comfortable and warm enough for sleeping, which was practical given that bedrooms were often cold and shared.

Work and Movement

Braies and chemises provided comfort during manual labor. Men working in the textile trades or as artisans found these garments essential for ease of movement and protection. shutdown123