[Steven H]

Hello,

I've just finished a linen surcoat for myself. I was thinking of oiling it to make it more weather resistant but I'm not sure if that practice is period correct. Any info on oilcloth, or something similar, from 14th century Europe?

Thanks,
Steven

[D. Austin]

I've seen pictures of people from a few european groups wearing jacks which appear to have oil on them. I have no idea whether or not there is evidence for this historically, but it seems to me to be a good idea. I'm hoping someone who knows will chime in.

Darren.

[Jared Smith]

You might try searing under Roman tent cloth. I believe they used beeswax and other oils. We have modern substitutes, but the basic idea does not really change that much over a couple of thousand years or so.