Gambesons

About

Gambesons A gambeson is one of the most useful pieces of armor you can own. It works as a standalone piece for lighter events, as a base layer under leather or chainmail, and as the padding that makes plate armor wearable for more than an hour. Historically it was the most widely worn form of armor in medieval Europe, more common than mail or plate, because it was affordable, practical, and effective. That logic holds just as well today for LARP, reenactment, and cosplay. Epic Armoury's gambesons are made from quilted cotton and cotton-blend fabrics, with adjustable closures for a secure fit across different body shapes and base layers. At a glance: Materials: Quilted cotton and cotton-blend fabrics Fastenings: Button, lace, or tie closures depending on the style Layering: Worn alone or under leather, chainmail, or plate armor Fit note: If wearing heavy armor on top, size up for comfort and mobility Use: Suitable for LARP, reenactment, cosplay, and costume What Is a Gambeson? A gambeson is a quilted, padded garment worn as armor or as an underlayer beneath heavier protection. The quilting, rows of stitching through multiple layers of fabric, distributes impact across a wider surface area, reducing the force of strikes and protecting the skin from chafing under metal armor. In medieval Europe, the gambeson was worn across every level of society, from infantry who could afford nothing else to knights who wore it under full plate. It appears under different names depending on region and period: arming coat, aketon, padded jack, pourpoint, and wambeson are all variations on the same principle. The design remained consistent for centuries because it worked. For LARP and reenactment, the gambeson serves the same dual function it always has: protection in its own right and a foundation for everything worn on top. What You Will Find in This Category Epic Armoury's gambeson range covers the main historical and functional variants, from simple padded jacks to more tailored ar