Modular Red Gambeson French Knight

Modular Red Gambeson French Knight with Fleur-de-lis 14th Century

Historical Context and Battlefield Use

This gambeson finds its historical roots in Western Europe during the 14th century, specifically during the turbulent era of the Hundred Years' War. Historically, the lily motif (fleur-de-lis) was inextricably linked to the French monarchy and its supporters. During the 14th century, padded garments (often called arming doublets or pourpoints) became highly fitted and frequently modular. They served as the primary shock-absorbing layer beneath a mail shirt or plate armor, preventing painful chafing from the steel and distributing the kinetic energy of incoming blows. Lightly armed infantry and archers often wore these padded jacks as their primary protection.

Practicality and Modular Design

The great advantage of this model is its full modularity. The front closure is secured by a sturdy cord, allowing you to put it on and take it off very quickly. Both the short sleeves and the extended skirts (the lower parts protecting the hips and thighs) are attached to the main torso using practical lacing (points). If the weather is hot during a summer battle, or you simply need maximum freedom of movement for your limbs, you can easily untie these parts and transform the gambeson into a lightweight padded vest in no time.

Maintenance and Cotton Care

The arming doublet is made of 100% cotton, which is highly breathable and absorbs sweat much better than synthetic materials. To ensure the jacket retains its shape and rich colors, we strongly recommend washing it exclusively by hand or in a washing machine on a very gentle cycle at a temperature of up to 30 °C (86 °F). Never put the gambeson in a tumble dryer, as the cotton padding could shrink and irreparably damage the entire structure. Always let the garment air dry flat. If ironing is necessary, be very careful and avoid the lacing holes.

Safety and Modern Usage

Please note that due to the fabric thickness of approximately 6 mm (~0.24 inches), this is not protective armor suitable for full-contact, heavy combat such as Buhurt (HMB, Battle of the Nations). A customer should never use this product for full-contact tournaments with steel weapons, as serious injury could occur. For such purposes, significantly thicker, multi-layered gambesons must be chosen. Due to its parameters, this padded doublet is absolutely ideal for LARP, light stage combat, historical festivals, or as a reliable undergarment beneath plate armor.

Product Parameters

Upon request, this gambeson is manufactured for you in other colors according to these fabric swatches. Please note the desired color in the comment field of your order (include the swatch number, letter, and color name). The garment is available in standard sizes according to this chart, or we will tailor it to your exact measurements at no extra charge once you fill out the measurement chart. Should you choose a material with a different composition, we will consult any potential price changes with you before processing the order. Please note that other accessories shown in the photographs (e.g., trousers or undergarments) are not included. We recommend completing this gambeson with a riveted mail shirt and iron hourglass gauntlets corresponding to the 14th century.