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Cotte d'arme FAQ


Cotte d'arme

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How should a tabard fit over a brigandine?

The tabard should follow the outline of the armor without restricting the shoulders, arms, or torso. It needs enough room for padding and plates but should not hang so loosely that opponents can easily grab or snag it.

Take measurements while wearing your complete brigandine, shoulder armor, and under-armor padding. =

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Can I order a cotte d’arme with my team’s heraldry?

Yes. You can request team colors, halves, quarters, custom layouts, and selected embroidered elements, depending on the design. Provide a clear, high-resolution image and accurate color references before production. Complex artwork may require simplification so it remains recognizable and durable.

By submitting a logo, coat-of-arms, or other artwork, you confirm that you own the design or have permission to reproduce it. MedievalExtreme does not claim ownership of submitted artwork and accepts no responsibility for third-party copyright, trademark, or heraldic rights disputes.

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What fabric survives full-contact fighting best?

Two layers of durable cotton provide a practical combination of strength, flexibility, and easy maintenance. This construction handles contact with armor edges, grappling, falls, and repeated tournament use better than thin costume fabric.

Heavy linen also works well and offers a lighter historical appearance. Wool provides good durability and structure but can feel warmer and absorb more moisture. Regardless of the material, reinforced seams and a proper fit have a major effect on the tabard’s lifespan.

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Is a tabard required by buhurt authenticity rules?

Not in every category or tournament. A cotte d’arme is usually optional unless the event, league, or team regulations require one. However, any visible tabard must match the historical period and regional style of the fighter’s armor. Check the current authenticity requirements before ordering a design for competition.


Cotte d’Arme: Heraldic Tabards for Buhurt Fighters

A buhurt tabard, also known as a cotte d’arme or surcoat, gives an armored fighter a clear visual identity. Fighters wear it over body armor to display team colors, heraldry, or a personal coat-of-arms.

What Is a Cotte d’Arme and Why Do Fighters Wear It?

A cotte d’arme covers part of the armor without replacing any protective component. It creates a unified historical appearance and helps teammates recognize each other during crowded melee battles. A proper cut fits over brigandines, breastplates, shoulder armor, and padding without restricting movement.

Team Colors and Heraldry on the List Field

Strong colors and clear heraldic patterns improve team identity on the list field. Fighters can choose plain colors, halves, quarters, or another custom layout. A distinctive design also helps spectators and event photographers identify fighters during tournaments.

Match the tabard’s colors and historical style with the rest of your armor set. Fighters should use heraldry that fits their chosen period and regional style.

Fabrics, Cut, and Custom Embroidery

MedievalExtreme uses two layers of durable cotton for current combat tabards. This fabric handles armor edges, grappling, falls, and repeated tournament use. Linen offers a lighter historical option, while wool provides a traditional appearance and substantial structure.

Side or front laces make dressing easier and allow small fit adjustments over armor. Sleeved designs provide additional coverage around the shoulders and upper arms. Custom colors, heraldic layouts, and embroidery can add a team logo or coat-of-arms, depending on the chosen design.

MedievalExtreme workshop guidance: Take measurements while wearing your complete torso armor and shoulder protection. Provide the finished artwork and exact color references before production.