Red Roman Padded Subarmalis

Red Roman Padded Subarmalis with Pteruges for Reenactment

History and Purpose of the Subarmalis

In ancient Rome, the subarmalis (sometimes also called a thoracomachus) was an absolutely essential piece of military equipment. Worn directly over a linen or woollen tunic, it served as a base layer beneath mail armour (lorica hamata), scale armour (lorica squamata), or the famous articulated plate armour (lorica segmentata). Its main purpose was to absorb the shock of enemy blows, distribute the weight of the heavy metal armour, and protect the body from abrasions. The iconic strips of fabric hanging from the shoulders and waist provided some light protection, but their primary purpose was aesthetic and status-driven – they added bulk to the soldier, making him appear more formidable.

Practical Application and Care

Today, you will find this garment perfectly suited for historical festivals, ancient history reenactment, or LARP. Thanks to the lacing on both sides, you can easily adjust the vest to fit your body shape, ensuring it sits perfectly under your armour without slipping. We highly recommend wearing the subarmalis over a base layer tunic to prolong its lifespan. Please note, however, that with a padding thickness of 6 mm (approx. 1/4 inch), this is a lightweight undergarment and is not designed for full-contact heavy sports such as buhurt (HMB) or Battle of the Nations. Other clothing and accessories shown in the photographs (under-tunic, trousers, footwear) are not included.

To complete your legionary appearance, we recommend purchasing a high-quality replica of a Montefortino type Roman helmet or a lorica hamata from our collection.

How to Care for Your Product

• Wash exclusively by hand in lukewarm water using a gentle detergent.
• Avoid bleaching and dry cleaning, which could cause the deep red colour to fade.
• Never tumble dry or place on a direct heat source (e.g., a radiator). Allow it to air dry flat.
• Never leave the damp garment crumpled in a bag, as this will lead to mildew.

Technical Specifications and Size Chart

Below you will find detailed measurements of the product. Please note that due to the handcrafted nature of the item, actual measurements may vary slightly.

* Note: Values in parentheses are based on specific manufacturer measurements for those sizes. The product is available in sizes M, XL, and XXL. The material thickness is 6 mm (approx. 1/4 inch).