An arming doublet is dedicated for the reenactors of the 14th and the 15th century . It is shorter than standard gambesons but it bears similar protective features.
The design of this model is very universal. It will work well as a part of fighting gear but also as a piece of civil clothing.
Our arming doublet has a waist seam and is laced in front in a so-called overcast method. It has a high, V-shaped collar. The doublet’s lower edge has small, “A”-shaped cutouts in front and on sides.
On each side, this arming doublet has points for mounting hose. There are 7 pairs of them. In comparison with doublet armor from 2nd half of XV century, this model is slightly longer.
- Y7b - on chest
- Y7a - on the rest of the jacket
More information about thickness you can find here.
Our arming doublet is available in a full range of colors.
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| This type of arming doublet has a high collar at the back. The whole thing is made of 100% linen with a linen lining. This material is perfect for this type of medieval costumes, mainly due to its breathability and anti-allergic properties. | The combat doublet is tied at the front with a linen string, the so-called an overcast lacing method. However, if you want a doublet with buttons, please contact us before placing your order. |
The examples of arming doublets from the 14th and 15th centuries can be found in the famous Gladiatoria (or MS German Quarto 16) from 1435-40. Currently the book is stored in the Jagiellonian Library in Krakow, Poland.
The pieces of clothing visible on the pages of the manuscript (e.g. folio 54v, 55r, 55v) are closed in an overcast lacing method, have high collars in V-shape, and their bottom part is attached to hose.
Gladiatoria is a German treatise teaching historical fencing. The mentioned MS German Quarto 16 is a part of a bigger series containing a few manuscripts of similar style and theme.
The treatise is based on the tradition of Johannes Liechtenauer but it does not follow him directly. Gladiatoriapresents fighting techniques with the use of various weapons.
A doublet is a tight piece of an outfit worn on a shirt but under other layers of clothing. It was made of both linen and wool. This unique example of men’s wear from its’ beginning was much shorter than gambesons or cottes - it reached the hips. Usually it had long sleeves and it is typical for the fashion of the turn of the medieval and renaissance periods (from the 14th to 17th century).
A doublet had openings for attaching the hose. It could be buttoned up or closed with an overcast lacing method.
In the 15th century the length of doublet was modified and from this moment we can mention a separate model - known commonly as an arming doublet. In comparison with the standard doublet, new kaftans had a role similar to gambeson. Due to their design, they were shorter and lighter than popular aketons.
In this time sleeves were also modified. The characteristic puffed sleeves appeared which, apart from the aesthetic considerations, protected the arms against the press of pauldrons. The collar also grew. In the new form, it became more protective.
In the next years, doublets became narrower and adjacent to the body, underlining the body shape. Slim sleeves and tightened waist made the male profile much more dignified and the chest more prominent.
Currently, we are working on implementing to our assortment the upgraded versions of our well-known short-sleeved gambesons. Changes include:
- improving the functionality and mobility of our aketons
- thickness of layers (check the chart with levels of amortization)
- directions and shape of stitchings
- minor changes in the cut (for better fitting)
- and most of all, matching the gambesons to our six-levels size set: XS-XXL (NOTE: you can still order a custom-sized gambeson)
Therefore, you can be sure that upgraded SPES gambesons are even better suited to your needs. And if you have any questions about the changes mentioned in any model, contact us and we will dispel any doubts!
To make each gambeson stand out even more, we decided to give them unique names. From now on, Arming doublet (type 2) is called Doublet armor.
