100% Thick, layered cotton is stitched together with heavy stitching. It is a necessity for all metal armor helmets used in battle. Heavy cotton trim is layered around the edges. The tie strings are one unit with the cotton trim. In medieval times soft padding was worn under metal armor. It helps to absorb the impact and shock from a blow. Original Coifs were stuffed with rags and straw, but this modern coif uses layers of compressed cotton.