Carnival costume knight fancy dress costume
- Available
-
Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
- Available
- Available
- Available
- Available
- Available
A knight’s costume is one of the classics among carnival outfits – and rightly so. The figure of the medieval knight fascinates children and adults alike: armour, sword, tabard – the image is clear and memorable. If you want to not only look good in your knight’s costume but also learn something about the historical figure it represents, you’ve come to the right place.
How was a knight dressed in the Middle Ages?
A knight’s clothing was not a single item, but a system of several layers – put together differently depending on the era and occasion. The base was a long linen undergarment, worn directly against the skin. Over this came the gambeson – a padded or quilted tunic that cushioned blows and served as padding beneath the actual armour. This is also known as a surcoat.
The next layer was the chainmail (hauberk), a protective garment made from thousands of interlocking iron rings. In the High Middle Ages, from the 11th century onwards, the chainmail was the dominant form of armour. In the Late Middle Ages, from the 14th century onwards, it was increasingly supplemented or replaced by plate armour – forged metal plates for the chest (cuirass), arms, legs and shoulders.
Over his armour, the knight often wore a surcoat – a sleeveless or short-sleeved garment in the colours of his coat of arms. The coat of arms served as identification on the battlefield and at tournaments. Leggings – close-fitting garments, often made of wool – completed the undergarment, whilst chainmail or leg plates protected the legs.
Colour symbolism played an important role in the High Middle Ages: red stood for bravery, blue for loyalty, and black for mourning or secrecy. Coat of arms colours were strictly regulated and distinguished nobility, orders and lineage. Early medieval warriors wore simpler armour, whilst late medieval knights appeared in gleaming plate armour – a difference that can be directly reflected in the costume.
Putting together your own knight’s costume: here’s how
If you put together your own knight’s costume for Fasching or Carnival, you have more freedom than with a ready-made set – and often a better result too. The basis is very simple: a medieval shirt or tunic forms the base layer. Over this comes a tabard in your chosen colour, complemented by a wide medieval leather belt.
If you want something a bit more elaborate, add a gambeson to the outfit – the quilted coat of arms instantly makes the costume look more realistic and is also convincing as a standalone knight’s costume. When it comes to footwear, it’s worth taking a look at medieval leather shoes – styles such as the London type or late medieval strappy shoes significantly enhance the overall look.
Suitable accessories include a knight’s pouch on the belt, a sword from the knight’s weaponry range, or a helmet for that final touch of authenticity. The advantage of buying individual items: you can mix and match pieces to suit the occasion – sometimes as a carnival costume, sometimes as attire for a medieval market.
Knight’s costume for carnival: a one-off outfit or something more?
- One size fits all, quick to order
- Synthetic fibre, often not very breathable
- Visually limited appeal
- Only suitable for carnival
- Price: from approx. €15–30
- Wool, linen or cotton
- More realistic look and feel
- Versatile: carnival, medieval markets, school projects, themed parties, LARP
- Individual items can be combined and expanded
- Price: approx. €10 (accessories) to €200 (complete outfit)
A polyester costume from a discount store serves its purpose – for one evening. However, if you need a knight’s costume more than once or simply place greater value on appearance and comfort, a costume made from natural materials is a better long-term choice. The price range in the collection extends from affordable individual items starting at €10 up to complete outfits costing around €200 – so there is something to suit every budget.
Knight costumes for children, women and men
Children
With children’s costumes, fit and durability are the top priorities. Natural fibres such as cotton are gentler on the skin than synthetic fibres and better suited for prolonged wear. Medieval clothing for children is organised by size in the range – tunics and tabards can be easily combined.
Women
Female knights are historically documented – from shield maidens in Norse tradition to noble female warriors in the High Middle Ages. Knight’s clothing for women combines tabards and tunics with figure-hugging elements. Many items from the men’s range are also available in women’s sizes or can be combined accordingly.
Men
For men, the most common variants are the white crusader with a red cross, the simple country knight in brown and green, and the black knight as a mysterious figure. Crusader outfits can be put together directly with a tabard, belt and helmet. Individual items from the range can be combined with one another.
Knight fancy dress: What pieces make up the outfit?
A tunic or tabard, a simple leather belt and linen trousers are enough for a recognisable knight’s costume. If you already own simple medieval clothing, a tabard is the only new item you’ll need to buy. This level is ideal for children.
A medieval shirt as an under-garment, a tabard, a belt with a buckle, medieval trousers and leather shoes create a well-rounded overall look. Optional: a belt pouch and a sword made of foam or metal. This level is equally suitable for carnival, medieval markets and themed parties.
A gambeson as a tunic, complemented by chainmail, arm or chest plate, a helmet and historical leather shoes – this build principle works for LARP, re-enactment and sophisticated costumes. Individual pieces can be added gradually.
Which carnival costumes are problematic – and why the knight’s costume is not a grey area
Around Carnival and Fasching, a debate regularly flares up about which costumes are acceptable and which are not. The focus is primarily on costumes that can be understood as cultural appropriation – that is, the adoption of cultural symbols or garments from other ethnic groups in a context perceived as disrespectful. These include, for example, stereotypical depictions of indigenous peoples, costumes that use religious symbols outside their proper context, or outfits that reproduce clichés about ethnic groups.
The knight’s costume does not fall into this category. It refers to a historical European figure from the Middle Ages who is firmly anchored in the collective memory through literature, education and popular culture. There is no social consensus classifying the knight’s costume as problematic.
What you should nevertheless bear in mind: costumes featuring anti-constitutional symbols – even if they appear historically grounded – are prohibited in Germany. This does not apply to standard knight costumes in neutral heraldic colours or featuring cross motifs in a courtly context. The knight costume thus remains one of the simplest and most popular carnival classics – for all age groups.
Whether you’re looking for a quick carnival costume or want to build a high-quality knight’s outfit piece by piece – the shop’s selection offers both. Browse the category and put together your own personal knight’s outfit for carnival, a medieval market or your next themed party.
Frequently asked questions
A knight’s clothing is often collectively referred to as armour, but comprises several layers: linen undergarments, a gambeson, chainmail (hauberk) and, in the late Middle Ages, plate armour. The outer garment worn over the armour is called a surcoat and bears the knight’s coat of arms. Leggings are the tight-fitting trousers that are also part of the medieval knight’s outfit.
A surcoat over a medieval shirt and a wide leather belt are sufficient as a basis for a recognisable knight’s costume. If you want to make a bigger impression, complement the outfit with a gambeson, historical leather shoes and a helmet. Individual items from specialist shops can be flexibly combined and are also reusable for medieval markets, LARP or school projects.
Knights in the Middle Ages wore a multi-layered system consisting of undergarments, a gambeson, chainmail and, depending on the period, plate armour. In the High Middle Ages (11th–13th centuries), chainmail was the dominant form of armour, whilst in the Late Middle Ages (14th–15th centuries), full plate armour was widespread. Over their armour, knights often wore a tabard in the colours of their family coat of arms for identification on the battlefield.
Costumes that are perceived as cultural appropriation are considered problematic – such as stereotypical dress of indigenous peoples or costumes featuring religious symbols outside their original context. Costumes bearing anti-constitutional symbols are also prohibited by law in Germany. The classic knight’s costume with a European historical reference, on the other hand, is considered unproblematic and is one of the undisputed carnival classics.
A complete knight’s costume consists of at least a tunic or tabard, trousers or leggings, a belt and suitable footwear. Optionally, a helmet, cape, sword, shield and a belt pouch can complete the outfit. For a more realistic look, a gambeson as underarmour is also worth considering. Children generally need fewer items – a tunic and belt are often sufficient.