NEW
Cotton Gambeson and Padded Pants Set
Price range: $359 through $399
Gambison
A gambison, also known as a gambezone or padded jacket, is the essential foundation of any armored fighter’s kit.
Designed for comfort, protection, and durability, it absorbs impact and reduces pressure from metal armor during combat. It also serves as the anchor for many armor pieces, with arming points to securely tie pauldrons, vambraces, rerebraces, and elbows.
Gambizon is a crucial layer beneath plate or chainmail, a high-quality gambeson ensures better shock absorption and a secure fit. Our selection includes battle-tested designs with the right balance of padding and breathability, making them perfect for both training and full-contact armored combat.
Gambison FAQ
Gambison
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.
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.
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.
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.
Buhurt Gambesons: Quilted Underarmor Padding
A buhurt gambeson creates the essential padded foundation beneath plate, brigandine, or mail armor. Its quilted construction spreads impact and reduces pressure from hard armor edges. A properly fitted padded gambeson also supports movement, comfort, and secure armor attachment during full-contact fighting.
Why Fighters Need a Gambeson Under Armor
Metal armor stops direct contact, while the gambeson cushions the body underneath it. The padding helps distribute force across a wider area. It also reduces rubbing between the body and rigid armor components.
Arming points can connect pauldrons, rerebraces, elbow protection, and other pieces directly to the jacket. This keeps the armor stable during strikes, grappling, and falls. However, excessive padding adds heat and may restrict movement.
Linen, Cotton, and Quilted Padding Layers
MedievalExtreme offers cotton and linen gambesons for different fighting needs. Hard linen models use a dense outer fabric that resists wear from steel plates and clinches. Natural wool batting provides impact absorption, while a soft cotton lining manages sweat and reduces chafing.
Quilted channels keep the padding layers evenly distributed. Breathable panels around the armpits can improve mobility and ventilation. Fighters should choose the materials according to their armor, climate, and training intensity.
Fit, Mobility, and Underarmor Comfort
A gambeson should fit close to the body without compressing the padding. The shoulders must move freely during strikes and shield work. Sleeves should also fit comfortably beneath arm armor without creating folds.
MedievalExtreme workshop guidance: Take measurements over the base layer you plan to wear in combat.