- Based on contemporary artwork
- Made in 100% Lightweight Linen
- No exterior visible machine stitching
- All interior seams finished
- Available in three sizes for a flattering and authentic fit
- Color: White
- Price: $22.95

In the Middle Ages, the well-dressed (and well-behaved) lady did not run about town with her head completely uncovered like a maid. Even if she decided to forego any sort of elaborate headdress, she would be adorned with the simple veil. Throughout the period veils came in both oval and rectangular configurations, which could be worn in a wide variety of ways - both alone or with wimples, barbettes, or any number of different headdresses and hats. We have replicated both shapes in lightweight linen, and generously sized them to create an elegant, flowing look. For more formal wear, we offer both a barbette and a wimple to be worn with the veil. The barbette's origin has been attributed to Eleanor of Aquitaine in the mid-12th century, and was a simple band of cloth used to secure a veil or hat, worn vertically around the head and fastened closed with a pin. The wimple also developed in the 12th century as a way to conceal feminine charms, and was adopted by both modest and fashionable women. Although less ubiquitous by the 14th century than in earlier centuries, the wimple remained a common piece of female attire throughout the period, and was a natural way to attach the veil. Our wimple has a smooth, elegant line that frames the face, and is specifically designed to be integrated with our veils. It can be worn to completely conceal the hair or not, as you choose. We have made the wimple out of lightweight linen for comfort, even during the heat of summer. |
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Top left: Wimple worn with our Turret hat and Rectangular Veil Top Right: Wimple worn with a Silk Oval Veil Bottom Left: Wimple shown with Linen Particolored Gown and Linen Liripipe Hood Bottom Right: Wimple worn with a Silk Oval Veil
Below: Wimple shown with both Rectangular and Oval Veils


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Size |
Face Opening (vertically around face) |
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Medium |
21 - 21.5" / 53 - 55cm |
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Large |
22 - 22.5" / 56 - 57cm |
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X-Large |
23 - 24.5" / 58 - 60cm |
Use the head measurement at the place you will want to wear the front edge of the wimple. Choose your size based on how you prefer the wimple to fit - smaller for a tighter fit to keep hair inside wimple or larger for a looser, more relaxed fit.


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Drawing after a detail in the Lutrell Psalter circa 1340 British Museum, London, England |
Drawing after a detail of the 'Sacrifice in the Temple', f.209 Cp.no.40 circa 1364 in the Library of the National Museum, in Prague, Czech Republic |
Drawing after a detail in the Romance of King Meneleas c..1364-1380 in the British Museum, London, England |
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Drawing after a brass of Lady Alyne de Creke in Westley Waterless Church, in Cambridgeshire, England |
Drawing after a c.1270 statue in the Cathedral in Rheims, France |
Drawing after a detail of a crucifixion circa 1365 in the mural painting on the front of the altar in the chapel of St. Catherine in Karlstejn, Prague, Czech Republic |
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