In 1100, wealthier Europeans began using reusable wool, hemp, or linen cloths known as 'grooming cloths' for personal cleansing. This practice reflected the growing emphasis on hygiene and cleanliness in medieval society. The use of these cloths not only improved personal care but also indicated social status, as access to quality materials became a marker of wealth and refinement in European culture.

The medieval European use of wool or hemp cloths significantly influenced the narrative style of fabliaux and the works of Geoffrey Chaucer. These materials often served as metaphors for social status and human experience, weaving together humor and critique of courtly life, as seen in 'The Canterbury Tales' where characters' attire reflects their personalities and societal roles.