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Renaissance gambesons

Renaissance gambeson wasn’t just underarmor – it was a man fashion garment throughout all Renaissance period. 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.

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 Well, quilted textile underarmour was originally made to relieve the shock of blows.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.

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Review about items

Arming doublet, 1405 year
 Nash
Arming doublet, 1405 year
HG-04

Absolutely fantastic doublet! It fits so well and looks so dashing and handsome! I asked for a custom pattern on just the sleeves and the tailors did a beautiful cross stitch pattern just to make it look more authentic! I'm proud to wear such a lovely doublet!

Arming doublet, 1405 year
 Rudy
Arming doublet, 1405 year
HG-04

I ordered a 3 layer wool exterior cotton interior. The wool is very soft and I could have been just fine with the wool against the skin. The black leather and steel buckles seem high quality. While the shipping took forever (understandable due to a war) they still had great customer service and the product arrived just fine. I have not put the gambeson to the test yet so I will update my review after a time of use. First impressions are high quality 5/5

Arming doublet / aketon - 1360 year
Steven P
Arming doublet / aketon - 1360 year
HG-03

Great quality!

Arming doublet / aketon - 1360 year
Steven Pearson
Arming doublet / aketon - 1360 year
HG-03

Great quality, I sent the wrong measurements originally and they offered to make a new one for free so great customer service!