Product description
The tradition of wearing a tabard over armor began during the Crusades. Surcoats helped prevent overheating by shielding the armor from direct sunlight. They also provided ideal protection for the hauberk and later helped protect plate armor from corrosion and rust. This surcoat features a split, allowing a knight to use 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.
This surcoat has a checked pattern. It is made of sturdy cotton, falls straight and has splits at the side from the waist for comfort and so that it can even be worn on horseback. It has shorter splits at the front and back. You can fasten the surcoat with a belt over your outfit or hauberk.