: Traditionally a simple, cylindrical shape made of white linen, it covers the top, back, and sides of the head and is typically secured by tying under the chin .
In a military context, the coif is a vital piece of defensive armor designed to protect the head, neck, and shoulders.
: From the 12th to the 15th centuries, it was standard everyday wear for all classes. It was considered "underwear" for the head; no respectable person would appear in public without their head covered, often wearing a more formal hat over the coif .
