Ordinary Gambeson

Ordinary gambeson (gambison, gambaison) - popular type of medieval padded underarmor.

This model was widespread in the XI-XV centuries. As common soldiers, so noble warriors were wearing such quilted jerkins.

Ordinary gambeson is suitable for usage for both, men and women. We make padded gambesons by historical patterns and basing on the ancient pictures of this padded underarmor.

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 gambeson armor 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;
7. No fastenings for steel arms.

Additional options allow you creating of unique model of padded gambeson coat, as gambeson armour points out social status of owner. Rich knights were wearing velvet, wool, leather or silk gambeson with cast bronze buckles or metal buttons. At the same time, foot soldiers and infantrymen were using cotton or linen gambesons with simple leather straps.

Quantity of padding layer depends on the main armour. If you plan to wear gambeson under the hauberk, so 5-6 layers will be required. If there will be usual plate armour or brigandine, so 2-3 layers of natural wadding for light gambeson jacket is enough.

We offer great choice of fastenings and festoons for decoration of your aketon armor. If you choose half-coloured or quarter-coloured gambeson, please inform us by e-mail, what colours you prefer and its exact disposition. Black, blue, red and green colors are most popular for gambison. 

Gambeson materials may vary as well: it is possible to order gambeson of leather with cotton or linen lining, for example.

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 with following options:

• 3 layers of padding;
• black cotton for outer and inner shell;
• sleeves’ attaching with hole under armpit;
• M-size;
• black leather straps;
• 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.

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.

Check out these models, which are suitable for the same historical period: European gambeson, sleeveless gambeson, medieval leather gambeson.

We offer to complete your body protection with padded chausses, arming cap and quilted mittens.

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.