Monmouth Cap

By Crusader1307

An iconic piece of Medieval Clothing that still exists in a form today, is The Monmouth Cap. Created in Monmouth, England in the 14th Century, this headgear was worn by Commoners and later were standard among Sailors. Once considered Law to have to wear one (if Male) in some Countries, The Monmouth Cap was constructed by hand. It was hand knitted, normally involving a 2-ply, Coarse wool pattern and mayetial. Brims were later made by turning up the ends inward and sewing it in. The Monmouth Cap by the 18th Century became the main headgear of Istanbul Sailor's and Privateers. To protect the cap in the rigors of the "salt sea", a process called Felting was developed. This process involved wetting, pressing and drying - several times over. Oils were allowed to penetrate into the fibers (which hardened to some degree as a result of the Felting Process). The Monmouth Cap still exists today in part, as The "Watch" Cap. Used by many Navies during cold weather operations, it was also modified into another very commonly worn Winter headgear - The Ski Cap.