Short Hospitaller Knight Cowl

Short Hospitaller Knight Cowl with Hood in Cotton Duvetyne

Historical Legacy of the Crusades and Knightly Orders

During the High Middle Ages, particularly throughout the 12th to 14th centuries during the Crusades to the Holy Land, members of military knightly orders wore cloaks and cowls over their armor or as everyday clothing. Although this garment is often generally referred to in today's popular culture as a Templar cowl, from a strictly historical perspective, a dark background with a prominent white cross with flared arms corresponds more to the clothing of the knights of the Hospitaller Order (Knights of St John, later Knights of Malta). The Templars, on the other hand, wore a red cross on a white background. An interesting feature of this cowl is the pointed hood with an extended tail, commonly known as a liripipe. This was a highly popular fashion and practical element throughout Europe in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Material and Its Benefits for Your Comfort

This cowl is made entirely of duvetyne, which is 100% premium cotton. It is a strong, densely woven cotton fabric that is slightly brushed on the right side. This makes it look and feel somewhat like luxurious velvet or suede. The main advantage of this natural material is its excellent breathability combined with a heavy weight, which guarantees resistance against cold winds. Duvetyne will reliably keep you warm during chilly evenings at historical events, absorbs sweat, and is very comfortable to wear both directly on the skin and as an outer layer over a linen under-tunic.

Garment Parameter Table

How to Properly Care for Your Cowl

To ensure that the cotton duvetyne retains its beautiful surface and shape, proper maintenance is required. We recommend washing the cowl inside out in a washing machine on a gentle cycle at a maximum temperature of 30 °C (86 °F). Use only mild detergents without bleach to protect both the dark color of the fabric and the white cross patch. After washing, never dry the garment in a tumble dryer, as it may shrink. It is best to let the cowl air dry freely by hanging it on a coat hanger. Ironing should only be done on the reverse side on a medium heat setting suitable for cotton.

Cleaning and care of costumes

Safety Warnings

Exercise caution when wearing the cowl near an open fire. Because it is made of 100% cotton without chemical flame retardants, the material is naturally flammable. The garment also does not serve as protective armor for full-contact combat; it merely provides protection from the elements.

Recommended Accessories for a Perfect Costume

For an authentic 13th or 14th-century order brother look, we recommend girding the cowl with a solid leather belt featuring a period brass buckle. It also pairs perfectly with simple medieval trousers and high leather boots, which you can find in our store. Please note that the trousers shown in the photograph are not included in the delivery.

Custom Production and Available Sizes

Upon request, this cowl can be custom-made for you in other colours according to these fabric swatches. Please note the requested colour(s) in the comment field of your order. Always state (1) the swatch number, (2) the colour letter, and (3) the colour name (e.g., 03-A-yellow). If you choose a fabric with a different composition, the price may vary. We will always consult you regarding any price changes before processing your order.

The cowl is available in standard sizes according to this chart. We will tailor it exactly to your measurements at no extra charge. In that case, please carefully fill out this measurement chart after completing your order.

Also, read our detailed cleaning and maintenance instructions.