Gothic Leather Arming Cap with Padding for Steel Helmets

Gothic Leather Arming Cap with Padding for Steel Helmets

Historical Context and Proper Use

The historical predecessors of these leather and padded caps mainly date back to the 14th and 15th centuries, the era of the High and Late Gothic. In the Middle Ages, they formed an absolutely indispensable part of the equipment of every warrior, mercenary, and knight. They were primarily worn beneath mail coifs and heavy steel helmets to cushion the impact of enemy weapons and protect the head from painful pressure and chafing caused by cold metal. The outer layer of thick leather provided significantly increased wear resistance compared to standard all-fabric arming caps. The product is precisely tailored to anatomically enclose the head and is secured by tying under the chin.

Upon request, this Gothic cap is also manufactured in other colours according to these fabric swatches. Please note the desired colour in the comments field of your order. Always state the swatch number, colour letter, and name (e.g., 03-A-yellow). If a fabric with a different composition is chosen, the price may change. Any price change will be consulted with you before processing the order.

Technical Specifications of the Product

Size Chart

The sizes correspond to head circumferences, measured at the widest point above the ears:

Care Instructions and Safety

Leather and fabric require specific care to retain their excellent properties over the long term. Therefore, please follow the cleaning and maintenance instructions. We strongly recommend cleaning the product only by hand. The inner textile part can be gently hand-washed, while the outer leather should be treated with special leather balms or waxes to keep it supple and prevent it from cracking. Completely avoid machine washing, tumble dryers, or bleaches. From a safety perspective, please remember that the cap alone does not provide full protection in contact combat and is designed exclusively as a shock-absorbing layer beneath an adequate steel helmet.

Recommended Accessories

For complete 14th and 15th-century head protection, we highly recommend acquiring a high-quality steel helmet, such as a bascinet, kettle hat, or a Gothic sallet. Under your torso armour, a proper padded gambeson and plate gauntlets will also be extremely useful for maximum safety in combat.