14 Century Medieval Gambeson

14 Century Medieval Gambeson;
. Visual Appearance & Fit
The “Wasp-Waist” Silhouette: Unlike the straight tunics of the 13th century, the late 14th-century gambeson was highly tailored to the body. It featured a narrowed waist and a flared skirt, reflecting the civilian “pourpoint” fashion of the era.

Closure System: It is most often seen with a full-length buttoned front. In this period, fabric-covered or wooden buttons were common, providing a secure and decorative closure. Some variants used lacing (arming points) instead.

High Padded Collar: A stiff, upright collar was a signature feature, designed to protect the neck from the rough edges of a mail hauberk or the weight of a gorget (neck plate).

2. Construction & Materials
Quilting Pattern: The most common pattern was vertical quilting channels. These “tubes” were stuffed with padding to ensure the protection didn’t shift during combat. Diamond or square quilting was also used, especially in heavier “jacks.”

Fabric Layers:

Outer Shell: Usually a heavy-duty cotton canvas or linen for durability.

Inner Lining: A lighter, breathable linen or cotton to prevent skin irritation.

Padding: Historically, these were stuffed with raw wool, horsehair, or many layers of scrap fabric (up to 30 layers in some “high-end” versions).

Arming Points: For knights, the gambeson featured small holes reinforced with thread or leather (arming points). These allowed the wearer to tie pieces of plate armor directly to the garment.

3. Tactical Function
Shock Absorption: Its primary job was to act as a “crumple zone.” While mail could stop a blade from cutting, it couldn’t stop the force of the blow; the gambeson absorbed that kinetic energy to prevent broken bones and bruising.

Stand-alone Armor: For archers, infantrymen, and poorer soldiers, a thick gambeson (often called a Padded Jack) was their only armor. It was surprisingly effective at stopping arrows and sword slashes.

Under-Armor Layer: For knights, a thinner version served as a bridge between their skin and their steel, preventing chafing and helping to distribute the heavy weight of the plate.

Note: Color Fabric may slightly vary from pictures because of available stock. Your display screen setting may show you little different color.