Question 1

Does a brigandine meet BI (ex. HMB) or IMCF authenticity rules?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

A brigandine does not receive automatic approval simply because it was designed for armored combat. Tournament officials consider its historical source, period, regional style, plate layout, coverage, materials, and compatibility with the rest of the armor.

MedievalExtreme builds brigandines for full-contact combat and bases each model on historical references. However, leagues and individual events may apply different or updated requirements. Confirm your chosen model with the relevant authenticity committee before ordering if you plan to compete under specific BI (ex., HMB), IMCF, or other league rules.

Question 2

How should a brigandine fit over a gambeson?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

The brigandine should sit securely over the gambeson without compressing or flattening its padding. It should protect the chest, back, sides, and required lower torso area while allowing normal breathing.

Test the fit by raising your arms, twisting, crouching, bending, and assuming your fighting stance. The brigandine should not shift excessively or press into the neck, hips, or armpits.

Take measurements while wearing your actual gambeson. If you order the brigandine and padding together, measure your bare body and clearly tell us. We will add the required fitting allowance.

Question 3

Steel or titanium: which brigandine should I choose?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

Choose hardened steel if you prioritize durability, straightforward maintenance, and a lower purchase price. Steel works well for regular training, hard melees, and fighters who do not mind carrying additional weight.

Choose titanium if you want to reduce fatigue and improve mobility during long tournaments. Depending on the model, titanium can reduce brigandine weight by approximately 30 to 40 percent. It costs more, but the lower weight can make a noticeable difference during repeated fights.

Question 4

How heavy is a buhurt brigandine?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

Weight depends on the design, size, plate layout, coverage, and material. For example, an XL Chalkis Brigandine weighs approximately 8.54 kg in hardened steel and 5.42 kg in titanium. An XL Wimbledon Brigandine weighs approximately 8.58 kg in steel and 6 kg in titanium.

Smaller sizes and brigandines with less coverage may weigh less. Always check the specifications of the individual model rather than relying on a general category weight.

Question 5

Should a gambeson be custom-fitted?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

A custom-fitted gambeson provides the best result when time is not a concern. It allows us to adjust the garment to your measurements, armor, movement, and preferred arming-point positions.

However, our stock padded kits use sizing developed through years of armored-combat experience. A correctly selected stock size can also fit well and provides a practical time-saving option when you need equipment quickly.

If you choose a stock kit, provide your height, weight, chest, waist, and hip measurements so we can help select the appropriate size. If your schedule allows for production time, we recommend a custom gambeson for the most precise fit.

Question 6

How do I wash a gambeson after training?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

Air the gambeson immediately after training and let it dry completely. For light dirt, use a damp cloth and mild soap. Follow the product’s care instructions before washing the entire garment.

Avoid machine washing because it may twist the quilted layers and damage the stitching. When full washing is necessary, soak the gambeson in warm water with mild detergent. Rinse gently without wringing or twisting. Dry it flat on a towel or rack, away from strong heat or fire.

Question 7

What is the difference between a gambeson and an aketon?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

The historical terms often overlap. A gambeson usually describes a heavier quilted defensive garment that could provide protection alone or beneath armor. An aketon often refers to a lighter padded jacket worn primarily under mail or plate armor.

Modern manufacturers and reenactors may use both names for similar garments. For buhurt, focus on the padding density, materials, cut, mobility, and compatibility with your armor rather than the product name.

Question 8

How thick should a buhurt gambeson be?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

There is no universal thickness for a buhurt gambeson. The correct amount of padding depends on its density, your armor, and the preferred armored combat discipline. Dense wool batting can provide effective cushioning with less bulk than several loose fabric layers.

The gambeson should reduce pressure and fill gaps without restricting movement. Excessive thickness can trap heat, limit the shoulders, and make the armor fit incorrectly. Always match the gambeson to the armor you plan to wear.

Question 9

How should I take the measurements for my body armor?

admin admin · Accepted Answer

Before we begin, ensure you have your actual padded under-armor kit ready: gambeson, chausses, and c-belt. Using anything else like modern jackets, sweatpants, or layered sweaters won't provide the accurate measurements needed for fitting your brigantine. If you're planning to order both your padded kit and brigantine from our shop simultaneously, sending your bare body measurements is acceptable. However, please inform us of this so we can properly adjust the sizing based on your true dimensions.

Additional Tips:

When taking measurements, stand relaxed with good posture.
Make sure the measuring tape is snug but not tight.
If you're unsure about any measurements, it's always best to err on the side of being slightly larger.
Consider having someone else take your measurements for greater accuracy.

This table should give you a good starting point for taking all the necessary measurements for your medieval body armor. Remember, precise measurements are crucial for a comfortable and well-fitting suit of armor.

Required measurements:

A. Body Weight: Stand on a scale without shoes or other heavy clothing.

B. Full Body Height: Stand straight, barefoot, with your back against a wall. Have someone measure from the top of your head to the floor.

D. Neck Circumference: Measure around the base of the neck, just above the collarbone.

E. Shoulder Width (Back): Measure from the seam of one shoulder pad to the seam of the other, across the back.

R. Shoulder Width (Front): Measure from the seam of one shoulder pad to the seam of the other, across the chest.

O. Chest Width (Arms Together): Measure the front of the chest with arms holding each other, from armpit to armpit.

F. Maximum Chest Circumference: Measure around the chest at its fullest point, usually while breathing in.

G. Waist Circumference: Measure around the narrowest part of your waist, above the hips.

H. Maximum Hip Circumference: Measure around the widest part of your hips, usually at the level of your buttocks.

U. Neckline to Waistline: Measure from the lowest point of the neckline just under the neck to the waistline, usually above the belly button.

X. Neckline to Groin Line: Measure from the lowest point of the neckline just under the neck to the groin line, where you want the armor to end. This helps ensure the pelvis is covered.

Question 10

Can I order a full armor kit and gambeson at the same time?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

Yes. If you order our padded kit, we can adjust your bare-body measurements and make both the under-armor padding and the steel parts together.

We use our own measurement charts and know exactly how much allowance to add for the padding thickness.

For other brands’ padded kits, we can’t guarantee the fit — every manufacturer uses different thicknesses and patterns, so we can’t calculate the correct allowances.

Question 11

How do I measure my head?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

To ensure the helmet for armored combat fits correctly, take your measurements without any padding, using a tailor’s measuring tape.

Refer to the diagram:

A – Maximum head circumference measured horizontally around the widest part of the head (typically from the forehead across the back of the skull).
B – Vertical distance from the center of the eye level straight down to the top of the shoulder. This helps us determine the appropriate helmet length to ensure full coverage without restriction.

For the best fit, please double-check your measurements and include them in centimeters.

If there are any specific considerations — such as plans to wear additional padding, a request for reinforced vision protection (e.g., extra eye bars), or anything else that might influence the build — please mention this in the order comments during checkout. We take these details into account during production to ensure your helmet arrives ready and optimized for use.

Helmet measurement chart - for armored combat

Question 12

How to take measurements for the gauntlets?

admin admin · Accepted Answer

A, B and F - are measurements for the gauntlets required to make them or find out the right size.

Gather your tools:

Paper
Pen
Flexible measuring tape

Hand measurements for the gauntlets FAQ 1

Step 1: Trace your handprint:

Lay your hand flat, fingers relaxed. Carefully outline your entire hand, including fingertips and wrist.

Step 2: Palm length:

Grab the measuring tape and measure the straight line from your middle finger's tip to your palm's base at the wrist. This is your palm length (A).

Step 3: Knuckle width:

Using the outline you drew on the paper in step 1, measure the straight-line distance across the knuckles (B).

Step 4: Palm circumference:

Keep your fingers relaxed and together. Wrap the tape snugly around your knuckles This is your palm circumference (F).

Pro tips for perfect sizing:

Dominant hand: If one hand is larger, mark it for specific size checks.
Size up: When between sizes, opt for slightly larger measurements for the gauntlets

Question 13

How should I take the measurements for the under-armor padded set?

admin admin · Accepted Answer

We understand the importance of a well-fitting padded set for both comfort and protection in buhurt. Here is the guide on how to take your measurements for your gambezone and padded chausses (or pants).

Here's a guide for the measurements for the under-armor padded set:

Body:

B (Height): Stand tall and measure your height in centimeters (cm) without shoes.
F (Chest Circumference): Wrap the tape around your chest at its fullest point, keeping it parallel to the ground. Breathe normally, don't inflate your chest!
G (Waist Circumference): Find your natural waist and measure its circumference. Avoid tightening excessively.
H (Hips Circumference): Measure around your hips at their widest point, level with your buttocks.
Weight: Weigh yourself in kilograms (kg) for accurate size charts.

Arms:

S (Sleeve Length): With your arm relaxed, measure from your shoulder joint to your wrist bone, slightly bending your elbow.

Legs:

Y (Leg Length): Stand straight and measure from your belt line down to the floor.
AB (Groin to Floor): For extra protection, measure from your groin area down to the floor while squatting slightly.
I (Thigh Circumference): Find the widest part of your thigh and measure its circumference.
J (Thigh Above Knee): Measure around your thigh just above the knee.
K (Calf Circumference): Wrap the tape around the widest part of your calf.
L (Ankle Circumference): Measure your ankle circumference, ensuring a snug but comfortable fit.

Preferred Length:

Gambezone Length: Decide your desired length and measure from the base of your neck down your front to that point.

Additional Tips:

If unsure about any measurement, err on the slightly bigger side for adjustments later.
Use a flexible measuring tape and stand on a level surface.
Double-check your measurements for accuracy.

Remember: Proper measurements for the under-armor padded set ensure a perfect fit, maximizing your comfort and protection in the heat of battle. Conquer the measuring tape and dominate the battlefield!

measurements for the under-armor padded set FAQ

Question 14

How should I take the measurements for my legs armor?

admin admin · Accepted Answer

General Recommendations for Measurements for Legs Armor:

Clothing: Measurements should be taken wearing the padded chausses you intend to wear with the armor. Sweatpants or jeans will not accurately reflect the thickness of the padded chausses and could lead to ill-fitting armor.

Bare Legs If you are ordering both legs and padding together, measuring your bare legs is acceptable. However, please clearly indicate on the measurement sheet that the measurements are for bare legs.

Measurements: Take all measurements with a flexible measuring tape, snug but not tight.

Additional Notes:

Take all measurements with padded chausses or similar under-the-legs armor and shoes on.
Ensure you or the person being measured is standing straight and relaxed with feet shoulder-width apart.
Use a flexible measuring tape for accurate circumference measurements.
Consider additional measurements if specific armor requires them (e.g., knee joint width, foot length).
This table provides a basic guide and adjustments might be necessary based on individual body shape and specific armor design.

Required measurements:

A. Weight: Measure your weight in kilograms or pounds without wearing any armor.

B. Height: Stand tall and measure the distance from the top of your head to the soles of your feet.

I. Maximal thigh circumference: Find the widest part of your thigh, usually just above mid-thigh. Wrap the tape measure snugly but not tight.

J. Thigh circumference above knee: Measure the circumference about 10 cm above your kneecap with the tape snug but not tight.

K. Calves: Measure the widest point around your calf muscle with the tape snug but not tight.

L. Ankle: Measure the narrowest part of your ankle just above the ankle bone with the tape snug but not tight.

AA. Hip to Knee: Stand with your leg relaxed. Locate the bony bump on the side of your hip bone (greater trochanter) and the center of your kneecap. Measure the distance between these points while keeping your leg straight.

Z. Knee to Ankle: Stand with your leg relaxed. Locate the center of your kneecap and the highest point of your ankle bone. Measure the distance between these points while keeping your leg straight.

Legs protection chart measurements — legs measurements chart

Question 15

How should I take the measurements for my arms armor?

admin admin · Accepted Answer

General Recommendations for Measurements for Arms Armor:

Clothing: Measurements should be taken wearing the gambeson you intend to wear with the armor. Sweaters or jackets will not accurately reflect the thickness of the gambeson and could lead to ill-fitting armor.

Bare Arms: If you are ordering both arms and padding together, measuring your bare arms is acceptable. However, please clearly indicate on the measurement sheet that the measurements are for bare arms.

Measurements: Take all measurements with a flexible measuring tape, snug but not tight.

Additional Notes:

If your gambeson has any unusual features that might affect the fit of the armor, please describe them in the notes section.
For best results, have someone else take your measurements.
Feel free to include any other measurements you think might be helpful, such as elbow circumference.

Required measurements:

A. Weight: Measure your weight in kilograms or pounds.

B. Height: Measure your full height from head to toe.

M. Wrist Circumference: Measure above the gambeson, not on top of any leather straps.

N. Forearm Circumference: Measure the fullest part of the forearm.

V. Bicep Circumference: Measure the fullest part of the bicep, slightly flexed.

W. Forearm Length: Measure from the wrist joint to the tip of the elbow.

T. Shoulder Length: Measure from the point where the shoulder meets the neck to the tip of the elbow.

Measurements sheet for arms armor — arms measurements chart

Question 16

How should I take the measurements for my body armor?

admin admin · Accepted Answer

Before we begin, ensure you have your actual padded under-armor kit ready: gambeson, chausses, and c-belt. Using anything else like modern jackets, sweatpants, or layered sweaters won't provide the accurate measurements needed for fitting your brigantine. If you're planning to order both your padded kit and brigantine from our shop simultaneously, sending your bare body measurements is acceptable. However, please inform us of this so we can properly adjust the sizing based on your true dimensions.

Additional Tips:

When taking measurements, stand relaxed with good posture.
Make sure the measuring tape is snug but not tight.
If you're unsure about any measurements, it's always best to err on the side of being slightly larger.
Consider having someone else take your measurements for greater accuracy.