What is Coif?

Coif was a head of a head that was worn all over England and the United Kingdom during the Middle Ages consisting of a piece of fabric that covers the sides, peak and back of the head. Usually tied under the neck, covering the head completely, with the exception of the face. Although it almost completely outlined in mainstream fashion by the end of the 17th century, it will still find use in some areas of the world and between certain religions. Lower class citizens would usually wear ordinary white caps. However, a citizen or nobility of the upper class would often wear a much more complicated and decorated COIF. Such caps were usually embroidered or decorated with lace and sometimes wore an ordinary white cap for texture and contrast. This is sometimes a covered layer of black material on other pieces to create a complete habit. Nun Coif is one of the few surviving examples used in the modern world.

Coif also continued to see some use within 20.and the 21st century members of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), who use costume dresses at different periods and different levels of accuracy for performance. Most often seen at Renaissance fairs and similar events, SCA members can sometimes be seen on each other to make their period garments look more authentic. In these types of events, however, participants dressed as ordinary are more likely to see COIF than men or women, such as a nobility who tend to prefer more romantic or extravagant ways of clothes.

COIF can also refer to a piece of tingling the head, which is sometimes worn by warriors and soldiers of the Middle Ages. The armored COIF was a piece of equipment similar to the fabric version, and usually consisted of chains or chain mail that covered the whole man's entire head other than his face. Such an armored piece would usually go through a similar piece of fabric or soft skin to prevent hair from pulling or other similar injuries. Although these pieces were usuallyLess protective than heavier helmets, usually provided greater freedom in motion and vision for wearers.