Further accessories
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Delivery time: 7 - 9 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
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Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
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Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
Medieval accessories are far more than mere adornments — they are the crucial detail that distinguishes a costume from a convincing historical portrayal. From bonnets and felt hats to woollen socks and gambesons: this category brings together all the items that make your outfit complete.
What else is included in the ‘other accessories’ category?
The ‘other accessories’ category brings together those components of a historical costume that are neither jewellery nor belts, yet still determine the overall look. The focus is on a wide variety of headwear: felt hats (such as pilgrim’s hats or mercenary’s hats), straw hats based on historical designs, linen bonnets, woollen hoods, berets and caps for the late Middle Ages. Added to these are elements of body armour such as the gambeson as padded underarmour, as well as footwear in the form of woollen socks and knitted socks.
This category should be distinguished from its sister categories: Medieval Jewellery, Medieval and Viking Belts, and Medieval Bags and Belt Pouches, which are listed separately. The range is complemented by sub-categories such as Medieval Vambraces, Gloves and Cuff Gloves, Rune Stones and Bells. With a price range of around 10 to 100 euros, you can get started in many areas of this category without a large budget.
How to find the right accessory for your reenactment
Knitted socks, woollen caps and simple hoods are ideal for beginners. The authentic straw hat based on the Maciejowski model is handmade and is one of the most affordable items in the category. Well suited for medieval market visitors and costume enthusiasts.
Felt hats (pilgrim’s hat, mercenary’s hat, tricorn) in various colours, berets and hoods for the High and Late Middle Ages. Can be combined with medieval headwear from the related category. Suitable for LARP, living history and attending events.
Gambesons, as quilted underarmour, are the highest-quality items in this category. They are indispensable for early to late medieval warrior reenactments — both as a standalone outfit and worn under chainmail or plate armour. Complement them with vambraces and gloves for a complete combat outfit.
Material overview: What’s in your accessories?
| Material | Suitability | Typical products |
|---|---|---|
| 100% wool | Historical | Wool socks, knitted socks, felt hats, caps, bobble hats |
| 100% linen | Historical | Bonnet-style caps, individual headwear |
| 100% cotton | LARP | Selected caps and lightweight headwear |
| 74% wool + natural fibres | Historical | Knitted socks with enhanced durability |
| Blended fabric (polyester/polyamide content) | LARP | Certain knitted socks and blended fibre items |
Our own brand, Vehi Mercatus, relies exclusively on natural fibres — a conscious decision, not a matter of course. Wool and linen are clearly superior to synthetic fibres for living history and re-enactment: they regulate body temperature better, feel more comfortable against the skin and simply look more authentic in historical re-enactments.
Wool socks and knitted socks: authenticity from head to toe
Wool socks and knitted socks are often underestimated when putting together an outfit — yet they are visible as soon as you move, sit down or stand on camp tables. In the Middle Ages, wool was the typical material for footwear across all social classes. Socks made from 100% wool or with a high wool content are therefore not an optional extra, but part of a coherent overall presentation.
Many of the woollen socks in this category are ecologically dyed — a feature that reflects both re-enactment standards and environmental awareness. Pairing them with medieval shoes, Viking leg wraps or historical leggings completes the outfit from the feet up to the ankles.
Gambeson: padding, protection and historical basis
By far the most frequently mentioned and one of the most important items in this category: the gambeson. In the Middle Ages, this quilted doublet served as underarmour beneath chainmail or plate armour — it provides padding, disperses impact energy and protects the skin from direct contact with the metal. At the same time, it is historically documented as a standalone garment for ordinary foot soldiers or citizens.
Our range features gambesons mainly in black, natural and brown, finished with careful quilting. For living history re-enactments of the early to late Middle Ages, the gambeson is virtually indispensable as part of a warrior’s outfit. It is usefully complemented by helmets and chainmail from the relevant categories.
Reenactment, Living History and LARP: Which accessory for which occasion?
What is re-enactment? Re-enactment refers to the vivid portrayal of historical eras using equipment and clothing that is as authentic as possible. The aim is to bring history to life — for spectators and participants alike. Events serve to promote historical education, preserve traditional crafts and foster a sense of community.
Viking re-enactment refers to the Early Middle Ages, roughly between 793 and 1066 AD. Typical accessories from this era include a hooded cap, woollen socks, a hood and a simple woollen cap — all items you’ll find in this category. For an authentic Viking portrayal, these accessories go well with Viking clothing for men or Viking clothing for women.
- Historically documented materials (wool, linen)
- Clearly defined era and region
- Gambeson, hood, woollen socks are mandatory
- Ecologically dyed natural fibres preferred
- Please note head circumference measurements for a proper-fitting coif
- Greater creative freedom with materials
- Durability and freedom of movement are key
- Felt hats and caps: simple and suitable for everyday wear
- Blended-fibre socks suitable for intensive use
- Can be easily combined with LARP clothing
Headwear in detail: felt hats, straw hats, bonnets & more
Felt hat
Handmade from felted wool, supplied unshaped and can be shaped to suit. Available in many colours from black to rust brown to green. Combines well with High and Late Medieval garments as well as pilgrim and merchant costumes.
Straw hat
Historical model from the famous Maciejowski Bible (13th century), handmade from flattened straw. The most affordable entry point into the headwear category — and at the same time a historically well-documented piece for peasant portrayals.
Banded cap, beret & caps
The 100% linen bonnet forms the basis of many depictions — a perfect fit thanks to head circumference measurements. The Harald beret and Hugo cap offer lightweight, everyday alternatives for late medieval outfits in various colours.
Whether you’re completing your first costume or looking for a specific missing detail for an authentic re-enactment – in this category you’ll find headwear, gambesons, woollen socks and more to give your outfit that all-important finishing touch. Browse through the range and be surprised by the variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
A gambeson is a quilted tunic made of wool or cotton, which was worn in the Middle Ages as underarmour beneath chainmail or plate armour. It cushions blows and protects the skin from direct contact with metal. Today, it is virtually indispensable for living history and re-enactment portrayals of early to late medieval warriors — but can also be worn as a standalone garment.
The linen banded cap is a classic for the High and Late Middle Ages (11th–15th centuries) and suits many portrayals. The straw hat based on the Maciejowski model is suitable for peasant or simple reenactments of the 13th century. Felt hats, worn as pilgrim or mercenary hats, were common from the High Middle Ages through to the early modern period, whilst berets and simple woollen caps were more typical of the Late Middle Ages.
In the Middle Ages, wool was the typical material for footwear across all social classes. Wool socks not only ensure historical authenticity but also regulate body temperature better than synthetic fibres. Many of the wool socks on offer are also ecologically dyed, which meets both reenactment standards and a commitment to sustainability.
In re-enactment and living history, historical accuracy is paramount: materials must be historically documented (wool, linen), and cuts and colours should correspond to the respective era. LARP allows for greater creative freedom — here, durability and freedom of movement often count for more than historical accuracy. For LARP, for example, blended-fibre socks and colourfully designed felt hats are also perfectly suitable without restriction.
Most headwear in this category — particularly bonnets, berets and caps — are labelled with specific head circumference measurements in centimetres. Measure your head circumference with a tape measure at forehead level and select the appropriate size based on the product specifications. Felt hats are supplied unshaped and can be moulded to your head, allowing for a flexible fit.