Product description
The tradition of wearing a surcoat over armor began during the Crusades. Tabards helped prevent overheating by shielding the armor from direct sunlight. They also provided ideal protection for chainmail hauberks and, a few centuries later, helped protect plate armor from corrosion and rust.
This tabard features a slit so the knight can move more easily while mounted on horseback. From the late 12th century, knights primarily wore long tabards. By the mid-13th century, these were increasingly adorned with personal coats of arms and sometimes worn by foot soldiers in the knight's retinue. In the early 14th century, shorter surcoats became fashionable. By the late 14th century, they were replaced by the jupon.
Made from high-quality split leather, this Crusader tabard features a broad cross stitched on the chest in natural linen. The linen is dyed to create a weathered effect, giving the tabard an authentic, historical appearance. Adjustable at the sides.
