Based on historical patterns Engineered for ease of motion Made of 100% heavy linen outside and 100% cotton inside Available Colors: Black, Natural, Dark Red and Blue Padded with all cotton batting Fully quilted Solid cast buttons similar to those used in period Available in 4 sizes Price - Reg. $339.95 Our linen gambeson is based on a combination of 14th century sources, both extant garments and contemporary artwork. We've retained the most important aspects of the historical patterns, particularly the exaggerated armhole, also called 'le grande assiette sleeve', which permits complete freedom of arm movement. Made with an outer layer of heavy, 7.5 oz linen this gambeson has a lighter feel and is not a thick as our heavy cotton gambeson. Its closely cut arms make it well suited for use with fitted arm harness. Taking inspiration from period garment quilting designs, it is padded with three layers of 100% cotton batting and has a medium weight cotton canvas lining for a combination of protection and breathability. We have added a collar for additional comfort. Metal shank buttons are used similar to those used in period. We recommend dry cleaning this item in order to extend its life to a maximum. Linen is a very strong fiber but it is also very brittle. Machine washing and drying will break down the fibers over time.

Linen Gambeson in Dark Red worn with Linen Chauses in Slate Blue, Ribbon Garters and Ankle Boots

Linen Gambeson in Natural worn with a Dark Red Linen Arming Cap, Leather Gloves, Burgundy Wool Chauses and Ankle Boots.   Dark Red Linen Gambeson worn with Linen Chauses in Slate Blue, Ribbon Garters, Ankle Boots and (right) Light Blue Linen Hood, and Wool Brimmed Cap

"Unlike the polyester fiber fill used in many gambesons, the cotton batting in my Revival gambeson breathes even when I use it in the heat of summer, and hasn't lost its shape after many washings." -Greg Mele Chicago Swordplay Guild

"Very few gambesons offer sufficient arm mobility, but the Revival design allows complete freedom of movement and is far more durable than those made overseas." - Brian Price Schola St. George

"A good gambeson is as important as the plate armour it supports - this is the best platform I have found for 14th Century armour." - Christian Tobler Order of Selohaar

Colors: Natural, Black Natural, Dark Red and Blue

This chart is meant as a general reference - while the actual sizes are larger than regular sizes this is because we discovered during our market research that due to the thickness of our gambeson most people preferred a somewhat larger size than they would normally choose in the case of civilian clothing. Please note that if you are on the cusp between sizes that general fit preferences and size of your frame should determine which size you choose. For a looser fit and/or a heavier frame order the larger size. If you prefer a more tailored fit or are of slimmer build order the smaller size. This style is designed to be looser in the chest and more fitted in the waist and hips as were the historical models. Please note that if your are familiar with our Heavy Cotton Gambeson that this version is cut slimmer in the waist and forearms for a more fitted look.

 

 

Drawing after a detail of the "Martyrdom of Saint Catherine" in the Little Church of Saint Francis, circa 1360	Drawing after the mid-14th C. jack of Charles de Blois in the Musees de Tissus in Lyon, France
Drawing after the Jupon of Charles VI in the Musee des Beaux-Arts de Chartes, late 14th century
Drawing after in the Catholicon circa 1348 in Liege University, Belgium	Drawing from a detail of the Weltchronik of Rudolf von Ems c. 1360 in Austria
gambeson [gaembsn] n. a quilted and padded or stuffed leather or cloth garment worn under chain mail in the Middle Ages and later as a doublet by men and women. [from Old French, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German wamba, belly; see {womb}] Source: The Collins English Dictionary ©1998 HarperCollins Publishers

 

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NOTE: Revival Clothing neither guarantees nor warrants our clothing for any combat or martial arts related use, since we cannot know how an individual will use the garment or what kind of equipment it will be used in conjunction with. As such, all Revival Clothing products are intended for costume use only.

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