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

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 MedievalExtreme builds brigandines for full-contact combat and bases each model on historical references.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.

How should a brigandine fit over a gambeson?

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.

Steel or titanium: which brigandine should I choose?

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.

How heavy is a buhurt brigandine?

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.

Should a gambeson be custom-fitted?

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.

How do I wash a gambeson after training?

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.

What is the difference between a gambeson and an aketon?

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.

How thick should a buhurt gambeson be?

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.

Brigandine from the Book of Love • Medieval Extreme

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Description

The titanium Brigandine from the Book of Love.

The brigantine was inspired by the gravure in King Rene d’Anjou—The Book of Love, dated 1457-72.

History-based body armor
Made of hard-grade titanium with a thickness from 0.8 to 1.5mm
Body fitted
The hips are protected via tassets-style plates.
Color on your choice.

Source:
Barthélémy d'Eyck, Cœur vainc Courroux (Livre du Cœur d'Amour épris) 
(1457-72, Österreichische Nationalbibliothek, Wien)

Body Armor FAQ

Body Armor

How should I take the measurements for my body armor?

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.