Medieval Quilted Arming Hood with Padded Collar

Medieval Quilted Arming Hood with Padded Collar

A Padded Foundation beneath Helmets and Armour

The hood encloses the crown, back and sides of the head whilst leaving the face unobstructed. Vertical quilting divides the padding into stable channels, helping to prevent the filling from shifting during movement. The facial opening has a softly bound edge which, when correctly fitted, rests comfortably around the forehead and cheeks.

The broad quilted armour collar forms a padded barrier between the body and mail or plate armour. Diamond-pattern quilting keeps the filling evenly distributed whilst permitting natural movement of the shoulders. A front leather strap with a brass-coloured buckle secures the hood at the neck. Two perforated leather straps positioned over the shoulders act as attachment points for pauldrons or other armour components.

Materials and Construction

The outer shell is made from durable cotton canvas. Its internal padding consists of a recycled multi-fibre mixture of cotton, wool and polyester. Cotton contributes breathability and comfort, wool assists with temperature regulation, and the synthetic fibres improve the resilience and shape retention of the filling. As recycled fibres are used, the density and texture of the padding may vary slightly between production batches.

The arming hood is available in black or a natural ecru shade. The ecru version may display small natural variations characteristic of unbleached canvas.

Historical Background

Padded caps, arming hoods and protective collars appeared in various forms throughout medieval Europe, particularly between the 13th and 15th centuries. They were worn beneath mail coifs, iron helmets and later plate defences for the neck and shoulders. Their purpose was not merely to absorb some of the force of an impact, but also to distribute the weight of metal armour, reduce pressure points and stop hard edges from rubbing directly against the wearer.

This garment is a versatile historically inspired design rather than an exact reproduction of one particular archaeological find. Its general form is especially suitable for late medieval and fantasy armour combinations.

How to Wear the Arming Hood

• Place the hood directly over your head or wear it above a thin linen or cotton cap.
• Adjust it so that the padding covers the crown, back and sides of the head evenly.
• Fasten the front strap securely without restricting breathing or movement of the jaw.
• Put on the helmet or mail coif only after the seams and padded edges are correctly aligned.
• Attach pauldrons to the shoulder straps with suitable leather thongs, points or laces.
• Test the movement of your head, shoulders and arms whilst wearing the complete armour assembly.

Technical Specifications

Measurements

Care Instructions

• Hand wash in cold water with a small amount of mild soap or gentle detergent.
• Do not use bleach, harsh stain removers or fabric conditioner.
• Do not scrub with a stiff brush or wring the garment forcefully.
• Air dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated place, gently reshaping the padding as it dries.
• Do not tumble dry or place directly upon a radiator, heater or open fire.
• Avoid soaking the leather straps unnecessarily; once dry, treat them sparingly with a suitable leather conditioner.
• Ensure every layer is completely dry before placing the hood in storage.

Safety Advice

This hood improves comfort and provides limited impact cushioning, but it is not a complete protective armour system by itself. It is not intended for buhurt, Battle of the Nations or other heavy full-contact combat unless its use has been approved by the event organiser and it is combined with suitable protective equipment that meets the relevant rules.

Before every use, inspect the stitching, buckle, straps and distribution of the padding. Do not use the garment if the filling is badly compressed, torn, wet or gathered into hard uneven areas. An incorrectly fitted helmet may still create dangerous pressure, restrict vision or place excessive strain upon the neck despite the presence of padding.

Recommended Accessories

• A 13th–15th-century mail coif worn over the padded arming hood.
• A kettle hat, bascinet or other medieval helmet suited to the chosen historical period.
• 14th–15th-century plate pauldrons attached to the shoulder straps.
• A gambeson or arming doublet as a padded foundation beneath body armour.
• A thin linen coif to absorb perspiration and make routine cleaning easier.