Gambeson

Gambesons, Doublets and Acetons for LARP & Reenactment 

Gambesons, doublets, and acetons are indispensable pieces of armor, serving as both functional protection and aesthetic elements in historical reenactments and LARP. Whether you’re portraying a knight, a foot soldier, or a noble, these padded garments offer versatility and authenticity to your costume. Known for their practicality and comfort, gambesons and doublets are staples for anyone seeking to embody the spirit of the Middle Ages.

Our gambeson collection includes a wide variety of padded armor components: from classic sleeved gambesons in various lengths and cuts to doublets with decorative buttons, padded coifs, padded collars, and chausses (quilted leg protection). You’ll also find removable sleeves, tassets, and matching belts for a complete and historically inspired look.

Many items are available in black, brown, or natural/cream tones, allowing you to adapt your gear to your character and setting. Whether you're looking for a minimalist design or a richly detailed garment, this collection offers styles ranging from basic utility to ornamental finishes.

The Most Important Piece of Armor

During the Middle Ages, the gambeson was an essential element of an armor set. Whether worn on its own as primary armor or underneath chain mail, the gambeson was indispensable. The prevalence of gambesons, doublets, and acetons has naturally been retained in LARP, reenactments, and show combat.

Whether you are a LARPer, a reenactor, or a show fighter, if you are passionate about the military aspects of the Middle Ages and want to slip into the authentic role of a knight or another character of the period, you have to do some initial research. Our image of the Middle Ages offers a lot of room for fantasy and the individual shaping of one's own interpretation. Nevertheless, a basic reference to historical facts is important to most enthusiasts.

When we think of the medieval knight, we primarily have the image of the iron-clad fighter in mind. This is, of course, because this image has a special appeal due to its distinct aesthetic. But there are also quite practical reasons: our knowledge about the knight in full armor is historically very extensive. Historical documents and pictures from the Middle Ages describe this ideal archetype, and quite a few archaeological finds and well-preserved originals provide a reliable visual reference.

It is much more difficult with armor components, which on the one hand were less in the foreground, and on the other hand survived the centuries in smaller quantities and often in more damaged condition.

The gambeson is one such piece of armor where we’re clear about how it’s manufactured and can well understand its use, but it still presents small puzzles in terms of details.

Nevertheless, the gambeson is still an essential piece of a complete suit of armor, and often in combination with chain mail, is the first step of your transformation into a historically inspired character.

Gambeson – More Than an Undergarment

The common designation as simple textile armor may factually be correct, but it hardly does the gambeson justice. From about the 10th century onward, gambesons, doublets, and acetons served both as armor in their own right and as components of armor in Europe. Historians recognize precursors in the leather jackets of the Scythians, a Eurasian equestrian nomadic people, from the 8th century BC. These padded garments gained immense popularity across Europe between the 13th and 15th centuries.

The quilted jackets, sometimes in the form of knee-length coats, were crafted using various techniques depending on their intended use. Traditional gambesons and doublets were often made of linen, a fabric known for its resilience, comfort, and insulating properties. However, due to the cost of linen, cotton became a more common material in later periods.

As standalone armor, gambesons consisted of up to 25 quilted layers of fabric, providing protection against blows and even flaming arrows. Yet, this robust construction limited flexibility. More commonly, gambesons featured two outer layers and a padded filling of fabric remnants, raw cotton, or horsehair, offering a balance between comfort and functionality.

Foot soldiers often relied on gambesons or doublets as affordable, standalone armor. Knights, however, paired gambesons with chain mail or plate armor to maximize protection and absorb the impact of blunt weapons.

Aketon – A Forgotten Name, a Familiar Form

The term "aketon" may be less familiar today, but historically it described the same essential type of padded defense as the gambeson. Originating from the Arabic word "al-qutun" (cotton), the aketon was particularly widespread in the High Middle Ages. Its design and function mirrored those of the gambeson, though it was often referenced more frequently in southern Europe. In modern LARP and reenactment circles, the name aketon is making a small comeback – especially among purists and enthusiasts seeking historical accuracy.

Doublet – The Stylish Cousin of the Gambeson

While the gambeson often served a purely defensive role, the doublet also had a distinct aesthetic function. Originally a padded undergarment for armor, the doublet evolved into a fashionable garment worn by nobles and soldiers alike. In the context of LARP and reenactment, doublets offer a unique way to blend protection with style – perfect for roles that demand both status and substance. Whether beneath a breastplate or as a standalone jacket, the doublet embodies the elegance and authority of the late medieval and Renaissance periods.

Your Gambeson – a Valued Companion in Any Situation

Pure textile armor, like gambesons and acetons, remained essential until roughly the 15th century, when plate armor began to dominate. Over time, gambesons were integrated with metal components, leading to the creation of brigandines and the English Jack of Plates.

Even today, gambesons and doublets are invaluable in LARP, reenactments, and show combat. They’re perfect for beginners starting their journey in historical costuming and for veterans looking to enhance their existing armor sets.

With Zeughaus, you’ll find a wide range of gambesons, doublets, and acetons in various shapes, colors, and sizes. Whether worn as standalone armor or combined with other pieces, these padded garments provide authenticity, comfort, and versatility for every enthusiast.

Let your gambeson transform you into a character from another time and place, offering an immersive experience that bridges history and fantasy. 

Step into history – your journey begins with the right armor.
Whether you need a robust gambeson for the front lines, a stylish doublet for courtly affairs, or a historically accurate aketon to complete your character – you’ll find it here.
Explore our collection now and gear up for your next battle, feast, or fantasy.