I've saved up money for a aketon/gambeson and i think i have narrowed the company down to matuls, however I have a question regarding their pourpoint (Charles de Blois). The way of fastening in the picture is with A LOT of raw buttons :eek: is this a difficult way of fastening a garmet and should i get it with different fastenings?
All replies are greatly appreciated.

http://www.matuls.pl/index.php?IDP=1&Lng=...ategoria=6

I use a pourpoint-style garment to wear under my plate harness. I use points for fastening and no buttons on sleeves (sleeves are just wide enough for my hand to get through. Easy to put on, but a little challenging to take off when it is soaked with sweat). Works like charm. If you want it to be even more convenient to put on, use straps and buckles for fastening, but depending on type of armor it may not be very comfortable to wear.

Hey Jared,

I have a pourpoint in brocade from Matuls. They are a pain to close because of the sheer number of buttons, opening is easier since you just ' rip ' open the buttons then.

I usually just cheat by closing the top few buttons, the lowest and then throw my cuirass over ;)

Do keep in mind that Matuls has very nice quality items but in my experience they ocassionally would get the sizes wrong (suddenly my arms were 15 cm longer from the last time i ordered?), colours reversed in multi colored doublets, etc,
All that wouldnt put me off but they are sometimes very slow in the order realization and very incommunicative.

Thanks, im going for a mid 14th century kit (Combat of the thirty) so coat of plates and splint/plate arm and leg defenses. I saw a photo of someone with this pourpoint with pointed sleeves and points for fastening.

Hello

Check this site http://www.medieval-market.biz/pl/towary.php?...y%20bojowe

My brother has his arming clothes made by them, and they are OK. The prices are also very reasonable.

Has anyone had any experience with the jolly knight? They have some nice looking stuff.
http://www.jollyknight.com.ua/

Two gambesons from their website that are inexpensive and nice looking.
http://www.jollyknight.com.ua/catalog/product...ucts_id=71
http://www.jollyknight.com.ua/catalog/product...cts_id=124

I have a helmet, gauntlets and sabatons from Jolly Knight. I am really happy with the quality, and with the service I received. I cannot comment on the quality of his arming clothes, however, as I have never seen those in person.

Just a word of warning if you plan to use this for armored combat of some type.

A few of my friends have had undergarments with buttons, and were not real fond of them. If you get hit in the region of the buttons, depending on armour type etc, it can drive that button painfully back into your flesh. And it can leave some really amazing bruises. Of courses if your adverse to bruises, you probably aren't doing re-enactment combat ! :)

Mine has tight sleeves, a lace up front, with points for armour attachement, and is made of two layers of bright red 10oz linen.

Thanks for all the replies guys I just got the medieval tailors assistant in the mail today and have been learning quite a bit about clothing and fashion in medieval times(i.e cloth buttons) and i'm definitely going with buttons.

Salutes,

I am also interested in buying a gambeson so I hope there's no problem to use this topic. I need one to use during training as I have a small Historical Fencing group in Brazil. One important aspect that we need to prioritize upon selecting a gambeson is to have something that works well in terms of appearance and fits Fiore somehow, as for now we base our training mostly off of his styles.

So after some searching we've stumbled upon these two options that as for now seem like the most interesting and affordable ones:

http://www.darkknightarmoury.com/p-905-robin-...beson.aspx

http://www.darkknightarmoury.com/p-888-early-gambeson.aspx

Has anyone bought anything from this site yet? Could you recommend it? Perhaps would there be a better option elsewhere?

Many thanks!

The first looks to be fantasy as well so if you want a historic one run from it. If you are looking to spend around 100 bucks you are likely going to get a synthetic material and will cook in it as well.

You want as much natural material as possible or you will cook in it.

RPM

Well, t'would appear I will be needing further pointers as to how exactly come across a gambeson that is historically accurate, not suited for cooking, and that offers some degree of protection.

I've tried the fashion department at the local university but their budget went through the roof and pierced the skies. So, some further searching and looking for information is in order here. Any additional clarifying will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I picked up mine from Ice Falcon. I am very happy with it, it's held up well. I have also used this wrestling jacket.

http://www.revivalclothing.com/medievalwrestlingjacket.aspx

It's a heavy canvas, no padding. It's cooler in the summer, and it absorbs hits better than you would expect.

Lucas,

Basically take a look at medieval examples of textile armours both remaining and in artwork.

You need to consider what purpose it needs to fill. Is it stand alone armour? Under mail only, transitional-plate and mail or all plate. The aketon for under all plate can be much thinner padding.

Also when.

Here is an earlier example, right of center bottom
http://www.medievaltymes.com/courtyard/images...&d.gif

and later

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=8426

RPM

Well, here's a somewhat more precise breakdown on what exactly I need from a gambeson:

I have a small group dedicated to Historical Fencing here in Brazil. As we are just starting out a new phase under my leadership we still lack proper apparel and whatnot. When divulging and publishing appearances go a long way so to offer Medieval-inspired activities we gotta look the part. That's when a gambeson comes in. We don't really train full contact right now, although I am never willing to discard proper means of protection.

But we see how much looks are important here, right? That's the main goal - even if only for the time being.

I have also to consider we have some high temperatures over here and cooking classes aren't scheduled. So, once again, a gambeson that prioritizes looks over protection is a good idea. Protection means may come later, such as through helmets, padded additional equipment and so on.

The gambeson at the provided link looks interesting:

http://www.revivalclothing.com/medievalwrestlingjacket.aspx

Is it a complete set with leggings, booths and gloves? I take it it is?

I'd have to go for darker colors, lest we'd be the laughing stock of passersby as we train outdoors.

That, and provided it's cooking-proof, we'd be set for a seemingly good choice as any.

Thanks!

Hi Lucas

I've used the wrestling jacket Matthew mentioned as well. If you are hit by a waster or steel blunt you will definitely feel it! But I like it too and do use it in summer - when we get one :)

You might also try

http://www.gambeson.pl/

Other folk on myArmoury have commented favorably on Kokosh's. He does different thicknesses and is really responsive and willing to discuss options.
I'm getting a lighter weight gambeson to go under maille and a coat of plates.

If you are thinking about more protection, layering might be a way to go

cheers
mike

Lucas,

The Revival wrestling jacket is (as far as I can tell) not a set, the listing and price is just for the jacket. If it were a full set with boots and so on at that price it would be the best bargain I've seen all year. Nonetheless it looks like an excellent and durable garment, although I'd tend to go for something a touch more padded for weapon training.

Note that as long as you have a garment made solely of natural fibres, it will tend to breathe relatively well in hot weather. Your sweat can soak through it and evaporate out, instead of being trapped by polyester or the like. Obviously you'll need to drink plenty of water (but that's always true when practising combat in hot weather) but it's much less of a death sentence than you might guess.