Early medieval gambeson VI-XIII centuries

Early medieval gambeson of the VI-XIII centuries is popular model of padded armor that can be seen in the Byzantine annals and church fresco.

Short sleeved gambeson was peculiar to footmen, archers and crossbowmen.

Taking into consideration the short sleeves, this medieval gambison had been worn by people who did not take participation in close fights, or did not have enough money for totally closed gambeson armor.

Made-to-measure 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 medieval gambeson 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. Straight bottom edge;
6. No fastenings for steel arms.

You may use this gambeson armor together with chainmail. In this case we recommend to order quilted leather gambeson with 4-6 layers of padding for better body protection. If you plan to wear it under brigandine or plate armour, so 2-3 layers of padding will be enough.

This light gambeson with diamond-shaped stitching can be made of such natural materials as linen, wool, cotton or leather. Various color are available for order. By your regard, type of stitching may be changed.

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

If you plan to use spaulders over your padded 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 cotton gambeson with following options:

• 2 layers of padding;
• red cotton for outer and inner shell;
• sleeves' attaching with hole under armpit;
• M-size;
• straight bottom edge;
• no fastenings for steel arms.

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.

Check out these models of short-sleeved gambesons: gambeson of the VI-XIII centuries, aketon of the XIV century. If you are looking for long gambeson vest, please have a look at Eastern gambeson and long gambeson of the XI-XV centuries. 

Padded chausses and pelerine will be good addition for your gambeson armour.

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.