15th century arming doublet Bernhard, black

Product description

Arming doublets were worn under plate armour from the 15th century onwards. The laces on the doublet make it possible to attach armour components directly to the doublet. The arming doublet was a further development of the gambeson and the 14th-century pourpoint. On the inside, the doublet is padded, which protects the body against blows from armour components. In the late-Gothic style (1450-1500), voiders and a mail skirt (gousset) were often added to the arming doublet. In late-15th-century Italy, this also became a civilian fashion: men who were not knights wore arming doublets, likely because the garment suggested status and chivalry.

The doublet was combined with trousers or chausses, which were attached directly to the doublet with laces. Typical of a doublet is a close-fitting cut, a small standing collar and a closed or buttoned front. Initially, the doublet was worn as a high-closed undergarment. In the Renaissance period, the neckline became deeper and the doublet more richly decorated. Usually, a light shirt or body shirt was worn underneath the doublet.

Depictions of doublets from the late medieval period and the Renaissance can be found in abundance, for example in the Codices Palatini germanici 466.

This close-fitting doublet is made of cotton and features contrasting details. The centre front is closed with a wine-red lacing cord. There are also lacing cords at the sleeve hem and at the bottom. The lacing cords at the bottom allow chausses to be attached directly to the doublet. The doublet is lined with a light, contrasting cotton fabric. This is not an armoured doublet.

This doublet can be worn under armour in a historically accurate way, and has laces for attaching armour.