About Renaissance gambesons
Renaissance gambeson wasn’t just underarmor – it was a man fashion garment throughout all Renaissance period. Looking at XV-XVI century art, we see arming doublets on most men except for churchmen, of course. And this leads us to the idea that doublets were quite popular at that time.
Why? Well, quilted textile underarmour was originally made to relieve the shock of blows. So, after the Dark Ages of chainmails and brigandine armour, when you needed thick big gambeson not to become a chop, plate armor appeared. Full plate armor wasn't just stronger – its parts could confront blows due to being rigid and distributing the damage received over a wider body area, thus reducing its strength at distinct points. As the plate armor doesn’t need thick padded underarmour, gambeson evolved into elegant and fashionable arming doublet.
Thus, Renaissance gambeson was thinner, shorter, tighter.
As the underarmor, arming doublet was a base to attach plate armor parts and some kind of "plate's underwear" providing comfort in armor's wearing.
But, during XVth century, it became fashionable to wear an arming doublet not only as a kind of military garment but often as civilian clothing. Later, civilians doublet separated and evolved to gain fashionable shape. Rich fabrics, golden and silver pins... It played an essential role in fashion history. Born from a brutal quilted protection garment, doublets were worn for over 3 centuries and became one of the main menswear.
Just look at an elegant Renaissance period gambeson XVI-XVII century, chick Royal gambeson of patterned fabric, or noble Puffed sleeves doublet.
Note that this Renaissance underarmor was open on the front and usually laced, however, buckles and buttons were also used.
And we have them all. And always ready to sew some more!
Over more than 15 years our tailors produced the best padded underarmor for both sides of Atlantic. In our gambeson you can take part in any of these events:
- SCA
- HEMA
- Reenactment or Medieval festivals
- LARP
- Stage performances
You will be satisfied with Steel Mastery's padded protection everywhere.
Contact us via [email protected], place an order – we’ll sew a perfect gambeson following your photos, pictures, and desires.