What is a medieval surcoat?

surcoat, also spelled surcote, sleeved or sleeveless outer garment worn by European men and women during the 13th and 14th centuries. The surcoat for men was usually a tunic, or simple piece of material with a hole for the head, often worn over armour.

What is the point of a surcoat?

One purpose for the surcoat was to protect armour from the rain. Another use was during the Crusades to keep the armour cooler in the sun. By the middle of the 14th century the long surcoat was replaced with the “Jupon” (or “Gipon”). This was a much shorter garment, which was often padded for extra protection.

Which mediaeval officers would wear a tabard?

In medieval times, heralds were messengers who wore tabards (open-sided garments) displaying their masters’ arms to be recognized in battle.

What was worn under a surcoat?

Women’s surcoat A particular style, known as the sideless surcoat, developed as a fashion in the 14th century. This was a sleeveless, floor-length garment featuring exaggerated armholes, which at their most extreme were open from shoulder to hip, revealing the gown underneath.

What is a surcoat made of?

A surcoat is a long loose outer garment put on over the head, commonly worn in the medieval period. This model of a medieval surcoat has sleeves which can be tossed to the back. We make this garment of wool with a linen lining. In general, a surcoat should be a little bit shorter than a cotte.

What is a Gipon?

gipon, tunic worn under armour in the 14th century and later adapted for civilian use. At first a tight-fitting garment worn next to the shirt and buttoned down the front, it came down to the knees and was padded and waisted.

When did knights stop wearing surcoats?

In the 15th century, once suits of plate armour became common, the surcoat was phased out of use. This period in the history of armour development, in which surcoats became increasingly rare, is referred to as the “surcoatless period” (1420-1485).

What was a chaperon with a Liripipe?

Initially a utilitarian garment, it first grew a long partly decorative tail behind called a liripipe, and then developed into a complex, versatile and expensive headgear after what was originally the vertical opening for the face began to be used as a horizontal opening for the head.

What was a surcoat in the Middle Ages?

Middle ages surcoats were worn as outerwear, over a tunic (cotta) of different color. The surcoat was equipped with sleeves and became more like a dress, it could have even long narrowed sleeves with a bunch of small buttons or a lacing.

Where can I find medieval surcoats and tabbards?

Historical Clothing Realm has Knight’s surcoats, hospitaller surcoats and Musketeer tabards. Our medieval surcoats and tabbards are great for LARP, SCA events, Renaissance fairs, weddings and other special occasions.

What kind of surcoats do we offer?

Our selection includes knights surcoats, Crusader surcoats, Hospitaller surcoats, and Musketeer tabbards, among others. Our medieval surcoats and Renaissance tabbards are great for LARP, SCA events, Renaissance fairs, weddings, and other special occasions.

What do the symbols on medieval surcoats mean?

Many of our medieval surcoats have heraldic symbols on the front of them, such as rampant lions, Crusader crosses, fleur de lis, and Hospitaller crosses that represent the family or order they belonged to. Medieval surcoats are a great over-garment for your medieval outfit or armor.