Padded Hospitaller Gambeson with White Cross

Red Velvet Padded Hospitaller Gambeson with White Cross

Historical Context and Symbolism

The Order of Hospitallers (later known as the Order of Malta) originally wore exclusively black robes with a white cross in the 12th century. However, during the Crusades in the Middle East, the black colour proved highly impractical in the hot climate and was not distinctive enough in the heat of battle. For this reason, Pope Alexander IV issued a papal bull in 1259, allowing the knights of the Order to wear a red surcoat or coat with a white cross into battle. Visually, this garment corresponds precisely to the military fashion of the 13th to 14th centuries. The vertical quilting not only reinforced the garment but also helped evenly distribute the padding, allowing the gambeson to serve as primary or supplemental armour to cushion the impact of crushing weapons.

Material and Unique Cut

The padded coat is precisely sewn from high-quality genuine velvet (100% cotton). Velvet gives the garment a highly representative and luxurious appearance, which was highly sought after by the elite knights of the Order. The cut is designed so that the surcoat reaches approximately to the knees. Practical lacing at the neck allows for easy dressing, while the short sleeves and cleverly designed false flaps at the waistline do not restrict your movement during sword fighting or horseback riding.

Technical Parameters

Care and Maintenance Instructions

Cotton velvet requires gentle handling to maintain its majestic sheen and smooth texture. We highly recommend having the garment exclusively dry-cleaned by professionals. If the garment is only lightly soiled with mud after a battle, let the mud dry and then carefully brush it out with a soft brush in the direction of the pile. Never wash the garment in a standard washing machine, do not wring it by twisting, and under no circumstances should you use a tumble dryer, as there is a risk of irreversible damage to the quilting and the structure of the velvet. Ironing is only possible using a vertical garment steamer or from the reverse side on a very low setting.

Safety Warnings

Since the garment is made of 100% cotton and contains padding, exercise extreme caution near open flames (campfires, torches). Please also remember that although this is a padded gambeson, without appropriate underlayers, a thick padded arming cap, and plate or chainmail protection, this garment is not intended for heavy contact sports such as buhurt (HMB) or Battle of the Nations. It serves primarily as an aesthetic and lightly cushioning layer for light stage fencing, LARP, and historical festivities.

Please note that the belt, weapons, chainmail armour, trousers, and footwear are not included in the delivery. Only the padded coat itself is pictured.

Recommended Accessories

With this magnificent padded surcoat, we recommend acquiring a riveted chainmail hauberk, a chainmail coif, and a sturdy leather belt with a brass buckle, all of which should perfectly correspond to the military fashion of the 13th century.

Customisation Options and Sizes

We can make this Hospitaller padded surcoat for you in other colours upon request, according to these fabric swatches. Please note your desired colour or colours in the comment box of your order. Always include (1) the swatch number, (2) the colour letter, and (3) the colour name (e.g., 03-A-Yellow). If a fabric with a different composition is chosen, the price may change. Any potential price change will always be consulted with you before processing the order.

The coat is available in standard sizes according to this size chart. Entirely without any surcharge, the garment is tailored exactly to your measurements. In that case, after completing your order, simply fill out this measurement chart.