Tudor arming doublet, 15th century, black

Product description

The arming doublet is based on 15th- and 16th-century originals.

Arming doublets were worn beneath plate armour from the 15th century onwards. The arming doublet was a development of the gambeson and the 14th-century pourpoint. The inside of the doublet is padded, providing protection to the body against blows to the armour. In the late-Gothic style (1450–1500), arming doublets often featured voiders and a chainmail skirt (gousset). In late-15th-century Italy, this also became a civilian fashion: men who were not knights wore arming doublets, likely because the garment suggested status and knighthood.

The arming doublet is thinner than other examples, permitting greater freedom of movement. It has been designed to enable optimal mobility whilst wearing armour. Extra lacing can easily be added to the doublet to attach armour pieces. Crafted from coarsely woven canvas, the doublet features padding constructed from sturdy wool felt.