Eastern (Mongolian) gambesons

Eastern long gambeson is a typical example of eastern tribes wearing starting from the II century a.d. It preserved its original appearance today in some national costumes (of the same length or shorter, with long or short sleeves) of such eastern countries as Mongolia, Kazakhstan, etc. This gambeson was not a specialized type of armour. There was usual stuffed vest, made of wool, linen or cotton, and it was worn by nomad tribes, who were irrupted the near tribes. People, for whom war was a life-style, were upgrading such gambeson with metal or leather plates. These plates provided good protection during the battle. You can see such type stuffed armour in the picture of Genghis Khan’...

Ottoman Empire padded caftan is the excellent choice for anyone interested in Ottoman Empire and Seljuks costumes reconstruction and the eastern culture in general. This caftan is a replica of an artifact from Mevlana Museum (Turkey) and is perfect for a fashion oriental look from XIIIth to XVth century. Austere and luxurious at the same time, it is traditionally made in the Oriental clothing of the Middle Ages - rather tight-fitting body and a wide hem.  The fastening, quite common in those centuries, was not up to the hem of the garment, but small buttons up to the level just below the waist. Pay special attention to the collar. Our violet caftan – main picture –...