Aketon, second half of the 14th - first half of the 15th century

Aketon is sewn by the historically correct pattern of Carl VI’ padded aketon and is dated about of 1370-1400.

Most often, aketon was thinner than simple medieval gambeson armor. It had been sewn of expensive fabrics, decorated with embroidering or heraldic symbol of owner. The sleeves of this padded jacket were removable and had fastenings.

Rare, poor knights were worn aketon as separate armor. 

You give us your specific measures and wishes - we make you a completely custom gambeson that will bring you joy and comfort for a long time! 

Base price includes following options:

1. 1-2 layers of padding (natural sheet wadding 50% cotton, 50% wool);
2. Cotton for outer shell
3. Cotton lining;
4. Standard sleeves’ attaching (closed armpit);
5. XS-size;
6. Black leather straps;
7. Straight bottom edge;
8. No fastenings for steel arms.

Main photo shows gambeson armor with following options:

• 3 layer of padding;
• Color – grey
• Fabric – linen
• Lining fabric – linen
• Standard sleeves’ attaching (closed armpit);
• L-size;
• Metal buttons;
• Decoration of bottom edge – no;
• no fastenings for steel arms.

Often, but not always this type of medieval armour had been worn under the main armour, e.g. chain mail. If you plan to wear it under brigandine or plate armour, so 2-3 layers of padding will be enough. This comfortable light gamebson will be additional protection of your body. So while ordering, please indicate, if you will use it under or over the main armour.

Cotton or linen gambesons were more typical for infantrymen. Noble knights and warriors were choosing woolen, leather or silk gambesons with bronze buttons or cast buckles. We offer wide choice of gambeson materials. Also, there is a seperate item, such as medieval leather aketon, which you may like.

If you choose half-coloured or quarter-coloured gambeson coat, please inform us by e-mail, what colours you prefer and its exact disposition. Red gambesons, as well as green and black colored, were quite popular among knight of the XV centuries. 

We recommend you to order leather fastenings for steel arms, if you plan to use arm protection and plate spaulders over quilted gambeson.

There are two layers of padding in sleeves by default. If you want to change it, please contact us [email protected]

Benefits, which you’ll get, if you buy gambeson vest at Steel Mastery:

1. Custom-made high-quality padded underarmor, made of natural fabrics by your individual parameters;
2. Reliability and comfortable wearing for years;
3. Product made by experienced tailors, who really know how to make a good armor;
4. Convenient payment systems (Paypal, Skrill, Visa, MasterCard, American Express);
5. Flexible return system in case if you don’t like an item.

Made-to-measure gambeson armour may be sewn by two ways:

• machine manufacturing. Tailors will make padded armor by your parameters, using sewing machine.
• hand sewing. Custom gambeson will be completely sewn by hands of our tailors. Such type of manufacture is historical one and is offered for additional costs.

You can use this gambison for:

• SCA
• HEMA
• Larp
• Stage performances
• Medieval festivals
• Reenactment events

We offer you also these models of medieval aketons: arming doublet/aketon 1360 year, medieval aketon of leather XV century, aketon of the XV century. If you want long or sleeveless gambeson, please have a look at these popular items: Eastern gambeson, sleeveless gambeson.

Padded chausses will complete your body protection. 

In section “Gambeson” you can see all models that we offer for ordering. If you didn’t find any for your taste and wish, please send us photo and description of the required model and we will make it for you.

In this article we're telling how to choose a gambeson.