Knight outfit
- Available
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Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
- Available
-
Delivery time: 3 - 5 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
A complete knight’s outfit is not a single item of clothing – it is a carefully thought-out layered system comprising textiles, protective gear and accessories, modelled on historical examples and tailored to the period, occasion and budget. Whether you’re looking for a solid textile foundation for your first medieval market or want to put together a complete re-enactment set with chainmail, a helmet and a tabard: on this page, you’ll find out which parts work together, how they fit into the historical context and what level of investment makes sense for your intended use.
What does a knight’s outfit consist of? The layering principle explained
A knight’s outfit follows a clear layering principle from the inside out – each layer has a specific function, and not every layer is strictly necessary:
- Undergarments: A linen or cotton shirt and leggings protect the skin from direct contact with heavy chain mail and significantly improve comfort.
- Gambeson: The multi-layered, quilted protective garment made of linen or wool absorbs blows, keeps you warm and also functions as a standalone outfit without chainmail.
- Chainmail: The hauberk or haubergeon, made of metal ring mail, wards off cuts and stabs – the core element of medieval armour for several centuries.
- Plate elements: From the late Middle Ages onwards, breast, arm and leg armour were added, culminating in full plate armour as the most elaborate form.
Complementing these are belts as a functional and visual link, the helmet as a distinctive feature, as well as weaponry and heraldic accessories such as the tabard. Important: Not every layer needs to be included – the composition depends on the occasion and budget.
Buying a knight’s outfit: entry-level, mid-range and high-end options
A common mistake is buying a cheap complete set off the shelf, which falls apart after just a few uses. It makes more sense to build your outfit up gradually – starting with a solid textile base, which you add to step by step. The price range in our collection runs from €12.60 to €794.
A cotton or linen tunic, leggings and a simple leather belt form the basis. Sufficient for visits to medieval markets, school projects or a first impression of the medieval look. The Brandolf leggings made from 100% cotton (~€25) are a typical entry-level option in this price range.
A gambeson – for example, the Rabenfurth made from a linen blend (~€105) – a simple chainmail shirt with punched round rings and matching leather shoes make for a solid set for regular use. The gambeson also works well on its own as a standalone outfit.
Riveted chainmail, a helmet, initial plate armour pieces such as arm guards or breastplates, and a tabard with heraldic details – this level is for re-enactment, exhibition combat and historically ambitious portrayals. Depending on the scope, the price range varies between €200 and well over €500.
Chainmail comparison: Hauberk vs. Haubergeon, stamped vs. riveted
- Reaches down to the thighs
- Typical of the High Middle Ages
- Also provides partial leg protection
- Weighs up to 15 kg with riveted flat rings
- Requires a reasonable level of fitness
- Ends roughly at hip height
- Lighter and more flexible
- Often used as a starter version
- Also suitable for the Early Middle Ages
- Can be combined with separate leg armour
- More cost-effective to manufacture
- Sufficient for purely re-enactment purposes
- Suitable for medieval markets and LARP roles
- Less stability in exhibition combat
- More historically accurate construction
- Significantly more stable and durable
- Recommended for exhibition combat and re-enactment
- Closer to the historical model
- Care: allow to dry; treat with fine oil if rust appears; do not store whilst damp
Knight’s outfit by period: Early Middle Ages, High Middle Ages, Late Middle Ages
The choice of period influences the entire design of a knight’s outfit – it is crucial for re-enactment, but often of secondary importance for visits to medieval markets.
Early Middle Ages
Short hauberks, spiked helmets and nasal helmets dominate the look. Plate elements are almost entirely absent. A gambeson and a short chainmail tunic are sufficient for an authentic portrayal – the design is comparatively simple and therefore a good starting point.
High Middle Ages
Full chainmail armour with a long hauberk, surcoat (tunic) with heraldic motifs, pot helmets and large triangular shields. The classic Crusader look – the most popular period for both medieval markets and LARP.
Late Middle Ages
Plate armour comes to the fore: breastplate, arm and leg guards, and finally full plate armour. Helmets with drop-down visors replace the open pot helmet. The most technically complex and expensive level of re-enactment.
Surcoat, belt, dagger and spurs: accessories that complete a knight’s outfit
The surcoat is more than just decoration: it protected the chainmail from the weather, served as a means of identification on the battlefield and displayed the wearer’s heraldry. Typical styles range from a simple sleeveless overgarment to a fitted surcoat with slits for greater mobility. In the High Middle Ages, it was virtually indispensable.
The knight’s belt fulfilled several functions at once: it held the surcoat and the sword in place, signalled rank and affiliation, and was often adorned with decorative rivets and brass fittings. The late medieval belt with decorative rivets and end fittings in our range (~€50) is an example of craftsmanship in this field.
In addition to the knight’s sword, historically accurate armament also included daggers as side arms. The testicle dagger (named after the characteristic shape of its hilt) is a common find from the 14th–15th centuries; the disc dagger, with disc-shaped guard elements, also dates from the late Middle Ages – both available in the range from ~€33.
Spurs are the classic symbol of knighthood: only those who had been knighted wore them. Norman riding spurs from the 12th–13th centuries (~€39) are a fitting heraldic detail for a High Medieval portrayal.
Materials in a knight’s outfit: what really matters when buying
| Material | Suitability | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 100% wool | Historical | Capes, tunics – keeps you warm even when damp, robust outdoors |
| 100% linen | Historical | Undershirts, gambesons – breathable, skin-friendly, historically documented |
| Linen-viscose blend | LARP | Gambesons, tabards – a good compromise between appearance and care |
| Linen with cotton lining | Historical | Gambesons and wams – natural fibres on the outside, skin-friendly on the inside |
| Steel (stamped) | LARP / Reenactment | Chainmail for reenactment without mock combat |
| Steel (riveted) | Reenactment | Chainmail for stage combat and historically accurate costumes |
The textile base: choosing the right undershirt, leggings and gambeson
Undergarments and leggings are not optional extras – they are essential. They protect the skin from direct contact with chain mail and heavy fabrics, significantly improve comfort, and in warmer months are the layer that lies closest to the body for the longest time. The Brandolf leggings, made from 100% cotton, accentuate the calf in an authentic way and are available in several sizes (S to XXXL).
The gambeson is the central protective element of medieval armour: multi-layered and quilted, it cushions blows and prevents chaining from rubbing. However, it also functions as a standalone outfit – worn without chainmail over it, it is lighter and, at markets, is sufficient on its own for a credible portrayal.
It’s worth taking a closer look at the materials: wool, linen and cotton are the historically documented fibres. They breathe, absorb moisture and feel different against the skin than synthetic materials. Anyone spending hours at a medieval market or taking part in a staged battle will feel the difference. Our own brand, Vehi Mercatus, uses only natural fibres – a conscious decision that is by no means a given in the market.
From your first tunic to a fully equipped knight re-enactment set, you’ll find everything you need to build your outfit in this category – organised by era, function and budget. Browse through the range and put together your knight’s outfit step by step.
Frequently asked questions
These terms are often used interchangeably, but refer to different levels of quality. A knight’s costume is typically an inexpensive, single-use item made from synthetic materials – suitable for carnival or one-off events. A knight’s attire refers to higher-quality, reenactment-suitable clothing made from natural fibres, designed to be used for several years. The term ‘knight’s outfit’ is used as an umbrella term for all levels – from a simple tunic to a full re-enactment ensemble with chainmail and helmet.
Three items are enough for a convincing appearance: a mid-length tunic made of linen or cotton, matching leggings and a simple leather belt. If you’d like to invest a little more, add a gambeson to this basic outfit – it makes a significant difference both visually and to the touch. Chainmail and a helmet are nice, but not essential for a first visit to the market.
Yes, many items are suitable for both. Gambesons, tunics and chainmail from this range are regularly used in LARP. It is important that helmets and armour pieces for staged combat meet the organiser’s specific rules and regulations. For purely re-enactment roles without combat participation, the basic fabric outfit is often sufficient.
The most important difference lies in the ring type: stamped round rings are cheaper and well-suited for reenactment, but less sturdy. Riveted flat rings are more labour-intensive to produce, sturdier and closer to the historical model – recommended for stage combat and reenactment. When it comes to weight, you should be realistic: a hauberk made from riveted flat rings can weigh up to 15 kg. As for care: allow it to dry thoroughly after wearing, treat with fine oil if rust appears, and do not store in a damp environment.
Start with the textile base: an undershirt, leggings and a belt are a sensible first step. Next, a good gambeson is worth investing in; this alone constitutes a complete outfit and later serves as a padding layer beneath the chainmail. The chainmail follows next – with punched or riveted rings, depending on your budget. Helmet, plate armour and tabard are the final steps for ambitious re-enactments.