Medieval gambeson, black

Product description

The first documented use of the gambeson dates to the late 11th–early 12th century AD, although it is likely that gambesons were already employed in the early Middle Ages. The gambeson could be worn on its own or beneath a hauberk. Under chainmail, it protected the body from the direct impact of blows. Hauberks were sometimes so thick and tough that they could even provide protection against arrows fired with low draw weight. This type of gambeson is modelled after the one depicted in the Morgan Bible from 1250. Gambesons remained popular into the 14th century, after which a different style resembling a padded pourpoint was introduced.

The gambeson is well-suited to re-enactment battles and may be worn underneath a suit of armour or a hauberk, amongst other garments. It is crafted from cotton with a polyester padding, and has a thickness of 12 mm.