Blue Women's Hood with Liripipe, 15th Century

Blue Wool Medieval Liripipe Hood with Long Tail

A Late Medieval Hood for Men and Women

This head covering is inspired by European garments known as the gugel, chaperon or liripipe hood. It combines a roomy hood with a broad cowl covering the neck, shoulders, upper back and upper chest. A long, gradually narrowing tail known as the liripipe extends from the rear of the hood.

The outer fabric is a vivid royal blue, whilst the contrasting red lining remains visible around the facial opening and lower edges. A row of decorative metal buttons with an antique brass appearance closes the front. The broad shoulder cowl helps shelter the neck from wind and sits neatly over a tunic, gown or fitted doublet.

The Historical Development of the Liripipe

Hoods with shoulder-covering capes were common elements of European clothing during the 12th and 13th centuries. The greatly lengthened tail became particularly fashionable in the 14th century and remained popular through part of the 15th century. Related garments were worn by both men and women across several social groups, from craftspeople and prosperous townsfolk to members of the nobility.

The length and arrangement of the liripipe could express changing fashion and social distinction. It might be left hanging, wrapped around the neck or arranged together with the hood in elaborate ways. During the 14th century, the practice of rolling and draping such hoods also contributed to the development of the chaperon, a distinctive form of headwear frequently shown in late medieval art.

A Warm and Durable Wool Blend

The fabric contains 70% wool and 30% blended fibres. Wool offers natural insulation, supports comfortable temperature regulation and retains useful warmth even when slightly damp. The additional fibres improve durability, support shape retention and help reduce excessive shrinkage during careful washing.

The substantial fabric is particularly suitable for outdoor events, autumn and winter LARP, medieval fairs, processions, theatre and historical photography. Although the hood offers useful shelter from cold air and wind, it is not fully waterproof.

How to Wear the Hood

• Place the hood over your head with the facial opening sitting comfortably and your vision unobstructed.
• Close the front buttons according to the desired fit around the neck.
• Spread the shoulder cowl evenly over your gown, tunic or doublet.
• Allow the liripipe to hang down the back, throw it over one shoulder or wrap it loosely around the neck.
• Secure the long tail when moving through crowds, riding or standing near an open flame.

Suitable Occasions

We recommend this hood for 14th- and 15th-century reenactment, medieval fairs, LARP, fantasy costume, Renaissance festivals, theatrical performances, historical processions, themed weddings and photography. The rich blue fabric and contrasting red lining give it a particularly distinguished appearance suited to prosperous urban, courtly and noble portrayals.

Technical Specifications

Size Chart

Choosing the Correct Size

Measure from beneath the chin, over the crown of the head and back to the starting point. Size M is better suited to a narrower head and slighter build. Size L provides additional space around the head and a considerably broader shoulder cowl. Allow extra room for hair, a linen coif or another light head covering worn underneath.

Care Instructions

• Machine wash cold on a gentle wool cycle.
• Use a mild detergent suitable for wool.
• Wash with similar colours and fasten the buttons beforehand.
• Do not use bleach or harsh stain removers.
• Do not tumble dry.
• Lay flat or hang from a broad hanger to air dry.
• Iron at low temperature through a protective cloth when required.
• Store completely dry, preferably with suitable protection from clothes moths.

Safety Advice

The long liripipe may catch upon branches, weapons, costume fittings or another participant's equipment. Secure or wrap it before stage combat, running, riding, moving through dense crowds or approaching an open fire. Keep the hood away from candles, campfires and hot objects.

Inspect the decorative buttons regularly and resew any that become loose. This garment is not protective armour and does not replace a helmet, padded arming hood or other safety equipment.

Recommended Accessories

• A 13th–15th-century linen coif as a comfortable and hygienic underlayer.
• A 14th–15th-century wool tunic or gown for a complete medieval ensemble.
• A leather belt with a brass buckle appropriate for the late medieval period.
• A medieval wool cloak for cold outdoor events.
• A leather pouch or belt bag for urban, craft or courtly portrayals.