The Bliaut is a garment that was worn by both sexes. As a woman's gown, it was fitted closely around the torso and had long wide sleeves and was belted. It is possible there was a waistline seam which permitted the closer fitting top and a fuller skirt. Often the upper half of the garment was laced to create the more form fitting silhouette. For the men, the sleeves widened gradually from shoulder to wrist, the torso was looser and there was a slit at the hem for increased ease of movement. Men wore the bliaut under a coat of chain mail.