Brown Long Medieval Gambeson with High Collar

Brown Long Medieval Gambeson with High Collar

Inspired by Medieval Padded Armour

The cut is broadly inspired by European padded garments worn from the 13th to the 15th century. Historical terminology includes gambeson, aketon and padded armour. Such garments could be worn as a defensive layer in their own right or beneath mail and early plate armour. Rows of stitching kept the textile filling evenly distributed, helped cushion the weight of additional equipment and reduced discomfort from hard metal components.

This model is not presented as an exact reproduction of one surviving historical garment. Its high collar, adjustable buckles and partially open underarm construction combine a medieval appearance with the practical requirements of modern reenactment, LARP and costume use.

Long Cut Designed for Movement

The gambeson has full-length sleeves, a straight body and extended skirts. One front slit and one rear slit make it easier to walk with a long stride, kneel, sit and ride. There are no side slits, leaving the outer thighs and hips continuously covered.

The sleeves are only partially joined to the body around the armpits. These openings improve ventilation and make it easier to raise the arms. Bear in mind that the open sections provide less continuous coverage than a completely enclosed armhole.

Five brown leather straps have several adjustment holes, allowing you to alter the fit across the front. Natural leather and brass buckles create an attractive contrast against the dark brown cotton fabric.

How to Put the Gambeson On

Wear a lightweight linen or cotton tunic underneath the gambeson. This base layer will absorb perspiration and reduce the need to clean the thickly quilted garment. Undo all five straps, place your arms into the sleeves and align the two front panels evenly. Fasten the buckles from the collar downwards, tightening each strap only enough to hold the gambeson in position without restricting deep breathing, bending or raising your arms.

Measure your chest and waist over the clothing you intend to wear underneath. When combining the gambeson with mail or plate armour, put on the complete assembly and check that the padded fabric does not bunch beneath rigid components.

Technical Specifications

Size Chart

All dimensions are approximate. Individual garments may vary slightly because of the handmade construction and compressible padding. Sleeve length is measured from the shoulder seam to the lower edge of the cuff. Overall length is measured from the shoulder to the lower hem of the gambeson.

Caring for the Cotton Gambeson

• Remove light marks with a damp cloth, cold water and a small amount of mild soap.
• Do not machine wash or completely soak the gambeson.
• Do not use bleach, aggressive cleaning agents or chemical stain removers.
• Keep the leather straps as dry as possible and occasionally apply a small quantity of suitable leather conditioner.
• After wear, allow the gambeson to air thoroughly and dry completely in the shade.
• Do not tumble dry or place it on a radiator, beside a fire or close to another intense heat source.
• Dry a heavily dampened gambeson flat or on a broad, strong hanger to prevent stretching.
• Wipe the brass buckles dry after exposure to moisture.
• Store the garment clean, dry, unfastened and in a well-ventilated place.

Safe Use

This gambeson is not certified personal protective equipment. We recommend it for costume, LARP, reenactment and light controlled training. It is not intended for full-contact combat, buhurt, Battle of the Nations or comparable activities involving powerful strikes unless the entire protective assembly has first been approved by an experienced armour specialist and the event organiser.

• Inspect the stitching, leather straps and buckles before every use.
• Repair damaged straps and loose fittings before wearing the gambeson again.
• The partially open underarm sections do not provide continuous padded coverage.
• Keep the cotton fabric away from flames, sparks and heated objects.
• When wearing armour over the gambeson, make certain that no sharp metal edge presses directly into your body or cuts the fabric.

Recommended Accessories

• Linen or cotton undertunic in a 13th–15th-century style for improved comfort and perspiration management.
• Padded arming cap appropriate to the 13th–15th centuries for wear beneath a medieval helmet.
• Mail shirt or mail collar in a 12th–15th-century style for creating a layered armour set.
• Medieval leather belt appropriate to the 13th–15th centuries for controlling the long skirts and carrying lightweight accessories.
• Medieval hose or loose trousers selected to match the chosen period and character.
• Leather gloves and forearm guards for LARP, archery or costume use.