Long Sleeve Gambeson / Arming Coat with Buckle Fastenings

Long Sleeve Gambeson / Arming Coat with Buckle Fastenings

What Makes This Gambeson Stand Out?

• Honest Protection and Material: Forget flimsy substitutes! This gambeson is hand-stitched from two layers of sturdy cotton canvas and filled with a proper 8mm layer of cotton padding. This provides solid protection against impacts and abrasions while also serving excellently as a cushioning layer under metal armour.
• Functional Design: The vertical quilting keeps the padding in place and doesn't hinder flexibility. Long sleeves protect the entire arms, and the length down to the thighs covers the hips and upper legs. The stand-up collar offers slight neck protection. Fastening is achieved with four durable leather straps featuring sturdy brass buckles, which not only look good but also allow for slight size adjustment.
• Versatile Use: It functions perfectly as standalone armour for roles where speed and agility are key. Yet, it's also designed to fit comfortably under a mail shirt or plate components without overly restricting movement.
• Fits Like a Glove: We offer it in six different sizes, so you're guaranteed to find the one that fits you best.

With this gambeson, you're getting not just a piece of historically-inspired kit, but primarily a functional and durable protective garment you can rely on. It's made from ROBUST CANVAS and has REAL PADDING – a difference you'll feel the moment you put it on. Prepare for re-enactment, LARP, or a historical festival with the confidence that you have a quality foundation for your armour!

Historical Use:

Padded coats like this (known as gambesons, aketons, jupons, pourpoints, or padded jacks) were a fundamental element of protection for centuries, used by a wide range of combatants from the early Middle Ages into the Renaissance. Light infantry, archers, and crossbowmen often wore them as their main, or even sole, torso and arm protection. For heavy troops in mail or plate armour, they served as an essential underlayer that absorbed shocks, prevented chafing, and helped distribute the weight of the armour. Buckle fastenings were one of the common closure methods.

Modern Use:

Today, this gambeson is excellently suited for:

• Historical Fencing and Re-enactment: As basic protection or as an undergarment beneath other armour for various historical periods.
• LARP: For a wide array of characters – from soldiers and mercenaries to adventurers and guards.
• Theatre and Film: For costumes requiring an authentic medieval appearance.
• Historical Festivals and Events: As part of period attire.

Interesting Historical Tidbit:

Although a gambeson might seem like simple protection to us today, in its time, it was highly effective against common weapons, especially slashing attacks from swords. Some sources even describe how a well-made and thickly padded gambeson could stop arrows shot from a longbow at a distance, which was crucial, for example, for archers facing enemy volleys.

Product Care:

• Cleaning: Spot cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap is ideal. Machine washing is not recommended due to the risk of shrinkage, deformation, and uneven clumping of the padding. If washing is essential, do it only by hand in cold water, very gently, without wringing.
• Drying: Dry flat, laid out in its original shape, away from direct heat sources. Do not tumble dry or dry in direct sunlight or on a radiator.
• Leather Parts: Treat the straps occasionally with a leather conditioner to prevent them from drying out and cracking.

Don't wait – equip yourself with a quality, functional gambeson that offers the protection you need and looks great! Choose your size and colour and be ready for your next adventure!

A high-quality product made by Lord Of Battles®