These hoods seem to appear a lot, but is there evidence to support this? Also, why hoods and not something else? Any old hat will keep rain off your head, was concealment important? Were medieval people trying to look especially mysterious and bad ass??
Woolen hoods are really good in colder times, especially since tunics back then didn't covered necks, so hoods that extended down to shoulders were really good for keeping you warm in colder times, when it was warmer people opted for hats to protect them from sun. And they weren't for mysterious or whatever purpose, they were in bright colors and had many decorations. Pic related from manuscript. https://maniacalmedievalist.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/14thc-5-hood-msbodl264-79r.jpg?w=300&h=212
Real life reconstruction. http://www.revivalclothing.com/productimages/halfcircloak_OliveWool_BurgundyHood_montage.jpg
