04-07-2006, 04:29 AM
English Assize lists are clear that the gambeson was intended to be worn instead of mail. It definitely isn't meant to be worn under armour. Gambesons were occasionally layered over mail as an additional layer of armour. Padded jacks were used the same way later on.
Aketons/haquetons/etc are more often listed as accessories to metal armour, so it is probably better to use this term to describe what was worn underneath. "Pourpoint" or simply "arming doublet" would also be acceptable. It depends on the time period.
Aketons/haquetons/etc are more often listed as accessories to metal armour, so it is probably better to use this term to describe what was worn underneath. "Pourpoint" or simply "arming doublet" would also be acceptable. It depends on the time period.
Author: Bronze Age Military Equipment, Pen & Sword Books