Linen Rectangular and Oval Veils

Description

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Colors and Fabrics

Size Chart

Our Design

Historical Inspirations

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: Oval LinenVeil worn with a circlet and Wimple
Center and Bottom Left: Rectangular Linen Veil worn with a Wimple