Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 11:8

"But what went ye out to see? a man clothed in soft [raiment]? Behold, they that wear soft [raiment] are in king`s houses." — Matthew 11:8 (ASV)

Clothed in soft raiment. The kind of clothing referred to here was the light, thin clothing worn by those devoted to soft and luxurious living. It was commonly made of fine linen and was worn chiefly for ornament. Christ asks them whether they were attracted by anything like that. He says that the desert was not the place to expect it. In the palaces of kings, in the court of Herod, it might be expected; but not in the place where John was.

This kind of clothing was an emblem of riches, splendor, such devotion to soft living, and feebleness of character. He meant to say that John was a man of a different type: coarse in his outward appearance; hardy in his character; firm in his virtue; fitted to endure trials and privations, and thus qualified to be the forerunner of the toiling and Suffering Messiah.