Sleeveless gambeson with festoons, XII-XIII centuries

Sleeveless gambesons with festoons on the bottom hem was popular among the crossbowmen and archers in the XII-XIII centuries.

Though, it was not used by soldiers, who participated in combats. This model of gambison did not mean complete body protection, so it couldn’t be used for close fights and combats. But, when combined with hauberk, this light gambeson armor was very steady going for fighting on distance.

Cut on the neckline is being fastened with firm leather strap.

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! 

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. XS-L -size;
4. Black leather strap;
5. Standard festoons (as on the main photo) – variant 10

Quantity of layer depends on the main armour. If you plan to wear gambison 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 is enough.

Cotton or linen gambesons of black or blue colors were more typical for infantrymen and archers. We also offer wool, leather or velvet for your quilted gambeson.

If you choose half-coloured or quarter-coloured gambeson, please inform us by [email protected], what colours you prefer and its exact disposition.

Main photo shows gambeson armor with following options:

• 2 layer of padding;
• black linen for outer shell
• light-blue linen for inner shell;
• M-size;
• black leather straps for fastening

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.

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.

For these centuries, we also recommend you sleeveless gambeson without festoons and sleeveless gambeson with front fastening.

If you need long or short-sleeved gambeson, we may offer you these items: gambeson of the VI-XIII centuries, long gambeson of the XI-XV centuries.

Padded liner with pelerine will make a perfect set of padded armour together with this gambeson.

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.