Knight clothing
Knightly attire encompasses far more than just armour and chainmail — it describes a complete ensemble comprising undergarments, outerwear, leggings and accessories, which is either historically accurate or equally suitable for re-enactment and LARP. Anyone wishing to dress as a knight today will find over 200 items in this range, from a simple linen shirt to a padded gambeson.
What did knights actually wear? An overview of historical knight’s clothing
A knight’s clothing — known in technical jargon as a knight’s garb — consisted of several functional layers, which varied depending on the occasion. In everyday life, a knight wore a long linen shirt directly against the skin, over which he wore a woollen tunic or doublet, along with leggings and leather shoes. For battle, a gambeson, chainmail and finally plate armour were added.
The most important basic materials were wool and linen — both historically documented, breathable and durable. Silk was reserved for wealthy knights and the high nobility. Colours played an important role as status symbols: vividly dyed clothing in red, blue or yellow was expensive and signalled social rank. Natural tones and unbleached linen were the everyday colours of the simpler warriors. This colour symbolism is still relevant today when putting together a coherent re-enactment outfit.
To the question “What is a knight’s clothing called?”, the historically correct answer is: attire or garment — a term that encompasses the complete ensemble, including undergarments, upper garments, legwear and accessories.
A knight’s garments from the inside out
The linen or cotton undershirt lay directly against the skin and protected the more expensive outer garments from body moisture. The bruche was the medieval pair of underpants — a simple, baggy garment fastened with a tie belt. Our range includes, for example, the Gisbert bruche made from 100% cotton with loops for lacing cords, from approx. €25. For re-enactment beginners, it is a sensible first step towards a complete costume.
To the question “What trousers did knights wear?”, the answer is: no trousers in the modern sense. Instead, knights wore leggings — separate leg tubes fastened to the bruche or a belt with drawstrings. The Bernulf leggings, made from a wool blend in Bordeaux, are a good example: they combine historically inspired design with modern comfort. Medieval trousers and leggings for men are available in various lengths and materials.
Over the undershirt and leggings came the actual top: for simpler knights, a straight-cut tunic made of wool or linen; for wealthier ones, a fitted doublet with lacing. The Ulrich medieval shirt, made from 100% cotton, is a classically cut laced shirt that can be worn both as an undershirt and as a visible top — from just under €30. Medieval shirts and doublets form the heart of every knight’s attire.
The tabard was worn over the armour and often displayed the knight’s coat of arms or colours. It protected the metal armour from direct sunlight and rain, whilst also serving as the most distinctive identifying feature on the battlefield. Today, it is the most striking visual element of a knight’s costume. A look at the knight’s tabard category is well worth it for anyone looking to put together a complete outfit.
The gambeson is perhaps the most versatile garment in a knight’s attire: padded, close-fitting and worn both as underarmour and as an everyday jacket. The Rabenfurth Natur gambeson, made from a linen blend with a cotton lining, is a fine example of this garment. Gambesons are indispensable for re-enactment and LARP — they provide shape, protect against impacts and look historically authentic.
Knight’s attire by period: Early, High and Late Middle Ages
The question “What was typical clothing in the Middle Ages?” cannot be answered in general terms — styles, materials and colours changed considerably over the centuries. Anyone wishing to create historically accurate attire should first determine the period.
Early Middle Ages
Simple, straight-cut woollen tunics, surcoats, and linen or woollen leg wraps. Minimal tailoring, with colours predominantly in natural and earth tones. There was little difference in clothing between warriors and the common people — only the quality and quantity of the fabric indicated social status.
High Middle Ages
The chainmail (hauberk) worn over the gambeson becomes the knight’s distinguishing mark. Over this, a single-coloured surcoat. Leggings are fastened to the bruche with drawstrings. The first more figure-hugging cuts emerge, and embroidery and trimmings become more common. The Crusades bring Oriental influences to European fashion.
Late Middle Ages
Fashion becomes more elaborate: Mi-Parti colour schemes (two-tone divided garments), the houppelande as a wide, floor-length cloak, and strongly fitted and puffed doublets. Beneath the increasingly elaborate plate armour, the knight wears the tabard — often decorated with the family coat of arms. The variety of materials grows; silk and brocade are common among the nobility.
Buying knight’s clothing: the right outfit for your occasion
Whether it’s a medieval market, a LARP adventure or a historical re-enactment — the requirements for a knight’s attire vary significantly depending on the occasion. If you’re wondering what to wear to a medieval festival or how to dress like a knight, you’ll find some guidance here:
For your first visit to a market, a simple medieval shirt, a tunic and a plain leather belt will suffice. Visually authentic, comfortable to wear, and no large budget required. A straw hat or a simple woollen tunic completes the look. Synthetics aren’t necessary — even inexpensive cotton shirts look authentic at the market.
For LARP players, freedom of movement and durability are key. A sturdy shirt, leggings, doublet and gambeson form the basis. LARP shirts and tabards are designed for intensive use. These go well with knight’s shoes and a belt pouch. A complete LARP outfit is well within reach in this price range.
Historical reenactment requires natural fibres, period-appropriate cuts and, where possible, historically documented materials. Wool and linen are essential; synthetics are avoided. A complete reenactment outfit — undershirt, leggings, doublet, gambeson, tunic, shoes — is significantly more expensive, but delivers a result that stands up to even the most critical scrutiny. Knight outfit sets help you get started in a coordinated way.
If you’re planning a carnival or Shrove Tuesday celebration, you’ll find a suitable selection among our knight’s carnival costumes — with a more robust cut and available in standard sizes.
Frequently asked questions when buying knight’s clothing
Which size is right? Medieval tunics and shirts are historically accurate in their loose fit — they are not close-fitting shirts. This means that if you normally wear a size L, a size M will usually fit for most styles. Size charts for individual products provide precise details. For gambesons and doublets, it is worth measuring your chest width accurately, as they are cut to fit closely.
What did knights used to wear? In short: several layers of natural fibres, tailored to the era and social class. Wool and linen formed the basis, whilst silk was reserved for the nobility. In battle, gambesons, chainmail and plate armour were added — for everyday life, a tunic, leggings and a good leather belt sufficed. If you’d like to delve deeper, you’ll find a comprehensive overview in the blog article on medieval clothing.
Caring for wool and linen: Both natural fibres are easier to care for than is often assumed — provided you follow a few basic rules. Wool: wash cold (max. 30 °C), dry flat, do not wring out. Linen: washable up to 40 °C, tolerates light ironing, becomes softer over time. Neither wool nor linen should be put in the tumble dryer.
Materials for knight’s clothing: a comparison of wool, linen and cotton
| Material | Suitability | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Wool | Historical | Tunics, doublets, leggings, coats — warm, moisture-regulating, most commonly used in the Middle Ages |
| Linen | Historical | Undershirts, undergarments — breathable, ideal worn directly against the skin, dries quickly |
| Cotton | LARP | Shirts, tunics — a modern compromise, easier to care for and more affordable, scarcely found in medieval Central Europe |
| Linen-blend fabric | LARP | Gambesons (e.g. Rabenfurth): 55% linen / 45% viscose with cotton lining — pleasant to the touch, retains its shape |
| Polyester padding | LARP | Inner filling for gambesons — functional for even padding, not visible from the outside |
Our own brand, Vehi Mercatus, uses only natural fibres — cotton, linen and wool, no synthetics. This is a conscious decision: the fabrics are manufactured in weaving mills to our own specifications, which makes the quality and feel noticeably different from mass-produced goods. Anyone specifically looking for medieval clothing made from natural fibres is in good hands with this brand.
Whether you’re heading to your first medieval market, building a historically accurate re-enactment outfit or looking to complete your LARP ensemble — with the right knight’s attire, you’ll fit right in straight away. Browse the category and be inspired by over 200 items.
Frequently asked questions
In everyday life, knights wore a linen shirt as an undergarment, with a woollen tunic or doublet over it, along with leggings and leather shoes. Colours and fabric quality signalled social status — intensely dyed clothing in red or blue was expensive and reserved for the nobility. Full armour was only donned for battle.
Knights did not wear trousers in the modern sense, but rather leggings — separate leg coverings fastened to a bruche (medieval underwear) with drawstrings. This combination of bruche and leggings corresponds to historical practice from the early to the late Middle Ages and is authentically recreated today for re-enactment and LARP.
For a visit to a medieval market, a simple linen shirt or cotton tunic, a bruche, a plain leather belt and comfortable shoes will suffice. If you wish to portray a knight, complement the outfit with a doublet or gambeson and a tabard. Above all, it is important to avoid visible synthetic fibres and modern cuts.
A proper knight’s outfit starts with an undershirt and breeches, followed by leggings and a tunic or doublet. Over this, you can optionally wear a gambeson and finally a tabard or coat of arms. The outfit is completed with suitable shoes, a leather belt and, depending on the era, headgear such as a coif. Natural fibres like wool and linen ensure historical authenticity.
Yes, many items from this range are also suitable for carnival. There are knight’s carnival costumes specifically designed for this purpose in standard sizes. For a more authentic look, regular tunics, doublets and accessories from the medieval range can also be combined — often with better craftsmanship than classic costume items.