Gambeson VI-XIII century

Gambeson (or gambison) of the VI-XIII century is classified as Early medieval gambeson. It is also known as Viking gambeson.

As this short sleeved gambeson was not providing complete protection of the arms, such padded armor was more popular among archers, crossbowmen and warriors who did not take participation in close fights.

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! 

Made-to-measure medieval gambeson 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 gambeson jacket for:

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

Base price includes following options:

1. 1-2 layers of padding (natural sheet wadding 50% cotton, 50% wool);
2. Natural (uncoloured) cotton for outer and inner shell;
3. Standard sleeves’ attaching (closed armpit);
4. XS-size;
5. Black leather straps;
6. Straight bottom edge

This gambeson coat might be used together with short sleeved chainmail, and in this case quilted gambeson should have 4-6 layers of padding. If you plan to wear it under brigandine or plate armour, so 2-3 layers of padding will be enough. Such light gambeson will not only ,ake wearing of medieval armor more comfotable, but also provide with additional body protection.

There are a lot of fastenings and festoons for decoration of your aketon armor. To point out high social status of owner, we offer you such materials as leather, wool or velvet. Fine cast buckles or buttons will be perfect for fastening. We may make figured leather straps for fastening as well.

If you choose half-coloured or quarter-coloured gambeson armour, please inform us by e-mail, what colours you prefer and its exact disposition.

If you plan to use plate arms or spaulders over your gambeson, we recommend you to order leather fastenings for steel arms.

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

Main photo shows gambeson armor with following options:

1. 3 layers of padding;
2. uncoloured (natural) cotton for outer and inner shell;
3. sleeves’ attaching with hole under armpit;
4. M-size;
5. black leather straps;
6. straight bottom edge

Benefits, which you’ll get, if you buy medieval gambeson 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.

Such cotton gambeson vest in standard sizes is available for fast ordering. Please have a look in the section “Ready to ship” and choose the one you want.

Also, please have a look at these short-sleeved models: Early medieval gambeson, aketon of the XIV century, gambeson with festoons. However, if you will choose laced sleeves in options, it will allow you making sleeveless gambeson!

We offer to complete your body protection with padded chausses and quilted pelerine.

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.