Medieval Woolen Chausses with Feet for Armor

Medieval Dark Blue Woolen Chausses with Feet for Armor

Historical Context and Usage

Hose of this cut were an essential part of wardrobes throughout the European Middle Ages, especially in the 12th to 15th centuries. They represented the equivalent of trousers of that era. They were worn separately, one for each leg, and were tied with cords to linen undergarments called braies, or to a special belt. These chausses served not only as everyday civilian clothing for all classes of society but were absolutely crucial under military gear. They were worn under plate armor or under chainmail chausses, where they prevented abrasions and protected the legs from the cold and the pressure of the metal. Chainmail does not slip over wool, and at the same time, the wool dampens the friction of the armor.

Proper Use and Re-enactment Tips

For proper and historically accurate wear of these chausses, they must be tied at the top. The sewn-in holes serve this purpose. If you plan to wear them under the weight of armor, make sure to tie them to a solid point that distributes the weight of the armor to your hips, not just to your waist. We must point out that the depicted shirt, linen braies, and tying cords are not included in the delivery.

Drawing from our experience on tournament and battlefields, we highly recommend complementing these chausses with period undergarments (braies) and securing them with strong pointing cords (aiglets) fitted with metal chapes. This combination guarantees that your clothing will not hinder you in combat, ensuring your movements remain completely free and safe.

Care of Woolen Products

For these chausses to serve you well for many seasons, 100% wool must be properly cared for. Here are a few basic rules:

• Washing: Ideally, hand wash the wool in lukewarm water using a special wool detergent containing lanolin. Never wash the chausses in a washing machine on standard cycles and do not boil them.
• Drying: Never wring out the chausses by twisting; only gently squeeze out the water. Dry them flat so they do not stretch. Do not put them in a tumble dryer.
• What not to do: Avoid sudden temperature changes (e.g., hot water immediately followed by cold water), as the wool would felt and shrink. Do not expose them to a direct source of radiant heat, such as a radiator or fire, while drying.

Technical Specifications and Parameters

Size Chart