Product description
The tradition of wearing a tabard over armour began during the Crusades. Surcoats helped prevent overheating by shielding the armour from direct sunlight. They also provided ideal protection for the hauberk and later helped protect plate armour from corrosion and rust. The surcoat features a split, permitting a knight to employ it more easily for cavalry purposes.
From the late 12th century, knights primarily wore long surcoats. By the mid-13th century, these garments were increasingly adorned with personal coats of arms and, in addition to knights, were sometimes worn by foot soldiers in their retinues. In the early 14th century, shorter surcoats came into fashion, and by the late 14th century, they were replaced by the jupont.
The surcoat has a checked pattern. Crafted from sturdy cotton, it falls straight and has splits at the sides from the waist for comfort, and so that it may even be worn on horseback. It has shorter splits at the front and back. The surcoat may be fastened with a belt over your outfit or hauberk.
