Welsh Archer Costume with Liripipe Hood

Medieval Mi-Parti Welsh Archer Costume with Liripipe Hood

Historical Context and Usage

The basis of this medieval clothing consists of a long tunic and a separate hood called a cowl or gugel. This style of dressing is typical for Western and Central Europe in the 14th century. It was precisely in the 1340s, during the early stages of the Hundred Years' War, that the Welsh and English archers of King Edward III became famous on the battlefields. The mi-parti colour scheme, where the garment is vertically divided into two different colours, originally denoted allegiance to a specific noble family or lord, known as livery colours. The hood with a long tail (liripipe) and decorative edges in the shape of leaves or scallops (dagging) was an absolute fashion hit at the time, worn by both common soldiers and the noble elite. The costume is ideal for 14th-century historical re-enactment, fantasy LARPs, and period festivals. It is very easy to put on by simply pulling it over your head.

Features and Materials

The costume consists of two parts: a practical tunic and a decorated hood. The tunic has long sleeves and features side slits for easy movement (especially when shooting a bow or riding a horse). The product is sewn from duvetyn, a densely woven 100% cotton with a noticeable brushed surface resembling suede. In the Middle Ages, this material would correspond to fustian, which was very popular among soldiers for its durability and ability to retain heat. Furthermore, cotton absorbs sweat excellently, so you will feel comfortable in the costume even during demanding summer campaigns.

Costume Specifications

Availability and Custom Tailoring

This costume is made to order in other colours upon request, according to these fabric swatches. Please note the desired colour in the comments section of your order. Always state (1) the swatch number, (2) the colour letter, and (3) the colour name (e.g., 03-A-Yellow). If a fabric with a different composition is chosen, the price may change. Any potential price changes will be consulted with you before processing your order.

The product is available in standard sizes according to this size chart, or it can be tailored exactly to your measurements at no extra charge. In that case, please carefully fill out our measurement chart after completing your order. For this specific garment, the following measurement codes are required:

Care Instructions and Safety

To ensure the costume remains in perfect condition and retains its rich colours for a long time, it is recommended to wash it inside out in the washing machine on a gentle cycle at a maximum temperature of 30 °C (86 °F). Use a mild detergent without bleach, which could damage the contrasting mi-parti colours. Do not tumble dry the garment; instead, let it air dry freely on a hanger. Ironing the cotton can be done on a medium heat setting. Please read these Care and Maintenance Instructions for further details.

From a safety perspective, remember that the garment is made of 100% cotton, which is a flammable material. Therefore, exercise extreme caution when moving in close proximity to open flames, such as campfires or torches. Furthermore, the long tail of the hood can catch on things in the heat of battle or when moving through dense vegetation, so pay extra attention to your surroundings. Please note that the leather belt and historical footwear shown in the illustrative photographs are not included in the delivery of this product.

Our Recommendation for the Perfect Look

To create a complete and authentic appearance of a 14th-century archer, we recommend complementing this costume with a narrow leather belt featuring a simple brass buckle, historically accurate braies with chausses, and hand-stitched leather turnshoes that perfectly match the fashion of the period.