Doublets

Doublets in Medieval Fashion

An arming doublet – also known as a padded gambeson or gambeson under armour – forms the basic of any realistic medieval armor set. This garment was worn under plate armor and served as an essential layer to securely attach armor components while simultaneously protecting the body from pressure points, impacts, and chafing. Thanks to the reinforced eyelets, known as arming points, armor plates could be precisely secured, ensuring that the armour fit optimally to the body.

In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, arming doublets were common throughout Europe, within both Italian and German armor traditions. While German models were often somewhat more compact, Italian variants were characterized by longer skirts that sometimes extended to mid-thigh. The garment was not only functional: due to the close-fitting cut and careful finishing, it was also seen as a sign of status. As a result, even civilians and soldiers without full armour sometimes wore an arming doublet as a fashionable garment.

A good doublet offered protection in vulnerable areas where there was no plate armor, such as the shoulders or elbows. Some historical examples had pieces of mail integrated into the fabric for this purpose. For reenactors and LARPers, an arming doublet is still indispensable today. It ensures that armors fit more comfortably, perform better, and look authentic during battles, demonstrations, or events. It is also a beautiful garment for an authentic medieval costume.

Celtic WebMerchant offers a wide range of doublets in various materials, cuts, and historical styles. From basic padded models to richly constructed versions that perfectly complement late medieval and Renaissance costumes.