Traditionally worn under dresses and gowns, chemises were the underwear of the medieval period. Not only did women wear chemises to absorb the body’s natural soils, but they were also worn to protect the expensive fabric of the dress. Fine clothing was not cheap in the Middle Ages, and taking a high-quality dress to the tailors was bound to be an expensive trip. To ensure your comfort, almost all of our chemises are made from the same gentle cotton muslin that is used to back baby quilts.