What Do Knights Wear Under Their Armor?
Armor has been a crucial component of warfare throughout history, and knights are no exception. The heavy, elaborate suits of armor worn by knights were designed to provide protection against sword blows and arrow shots. But, what did knights wear under their armor to stay comfortable and protected? In this article, we’ll explore the various garments worn under armor by knights and other medieval warriors.
Arming Doublet
One of the primary garments worn under armor was the arming doublet. This was a padded shirt made of cotton, linen, or wool, quilted to keep the padding evenly distributed. The arming doublet was designed to absorb the impact of blows and reduce the wearer’s risk of injury. It was usually worn as a base layer under the armor, providing a buffer between the armor and the knight’s skin.
Aketon
The aketon was another type of garment worn under armor. It was a padded jacket made of cotton, linen, or wool, often quilted or stuffed with padding to provide additional protection. Aketons were commonly worn by knights and other warriors to protect their torsos and arms.
Hauberk
A hauberk is a type of mail shirt made of interlocking iron rings. While not specifically designed to be worn under armor, hauberks were often worn as an undergarment to provide additional protection against sword blows and arrow shots. The hauberk was especially popular among knights and men-at-arms during the 12th to 14th centuries.
Gambeson
A gambeson is a type of textile armor made from layers of fabric, often quilted or stuffed with padding. Gambesons were worn under armor to provide protection against sword blows and arrow shots. They were often made of linen, wool, or cotton and were designed to be lightweight and breathable.
Tasset
Tassets were small, overlapping plates worn around the waist and thighs to provide additional protection against sword blows and arrow shots. They were often attached to the breastplate or faulds and were designed to move with the wearer’s movements.
Faulds
Faulds were pieces of plate armor worn below the breastplate to protect the waist and hips. They were designed to be articulated, allowing the wearer to move freely and comfortably. Faulds were often worn by knights and men-at-arms to provide additional protection against sword blows and arrow shots.
Why Wear Undergarments Under Armor?
So, why did knights wear undergarments under their armor? There were several reasons for this practice:
- Protection: Undergarments provided an additional layer of protection against sword blows and arrow shots.
- Comfort: Undergarments helped to reduce the friction and rubbing caused by the armor, making it more comfortable for the wearer.
- Breathability: Undergarments allowed for better airflow and breathability, reducing the risk of overheating and heat exhaustion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knights wore a variety of undergarments under their armor to stay comfortable, protected, and mobile on the battlefield. From arming doublets to faulds, each type of undergarment served a specific purpose and helped to make armor more effective and comfortable. Whether fighting in the 12th century or the 14th century, knights recognized the importance of wearing undergarments under their armor to stay safe and successful on the battlefield.
Additional Resources
- Article: "Medieval Undergarments: What Did Knights Wear Under Their Armor?"
- Video: "Medieval Armor: How Did Knights Stay Protected on the Battlefield?"
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Table: "Types of Undergarments Worn Under Armor" Type Description Dates Arming Doublet Padded shirt made of cotton, linen, or wool 12th-14th centuries Aketon Padded jacket made of cotton, linen, or wool 12th-14th centuries Hauberk Mail shirt made of interlocking iron rings 12th-14th centuries Gambeson Textile armor made from layers of fabric 13th-15th centuries Tasset Small, overlapping plates worn around the waist and thighs 14th-15th centuries Faulds Pieces of plate armor worn below the breastplate 14th-15th centuries
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