Gambeson

Part of Armor of Juhnvechteya
Part of Clothing of Juhnvechteya
A Gambeson is a thick padded jacket, used for defense in war. It may be worn independently or as a layer of extra protection in combination with metallic armor. It is typically constructed of various layers of quilted linen or wool, though other stuffings may be used, such as horse-hair and cloth scraps.
Layering clothing as a fork of protection has existed since the advent of war, though the Gambeson developed by the 100s/-50s JC/VC respectively, on both sides of the Vechtese Sea. It became widespread and found use by virtually every soldier by 300/150 JC/VC, used by both knights and peasants. 
The gambeson is used both as a complete armour itself and underneath mail and plate in order to cushion the body against blows and prevent chafing. 
There are two designs of gambeson; one made for independent use, and one made for use with armor. The independent gambeson, also called a Jacke, is designed to be thicker and with a high collar, and are faced with leather or canvas. They are generally very thick, some using up to 30 layers of cloth, and are known to completely stop crossbow bolts. The variant used alongside other armor, called the Wams, is thinner, typically only have 5-10 layers, and have no collar. 
Among common soldiers, the sight of a man in gambeson with only a helm as other armor is not uncommon. In fact, jacke typically make up the basis of armor for many infantrymen, with extra protection, such as maille standards, vambraces, gauntlets and cannons augmenting it. 
The gambeson is not restricted by class, as it finds use by nearly every soldier and warrior. Recently, knights have begun to wear their wams off the battlefield, as a highly decorated jacket or vest. This has trickled down into the lower classes as well, and evolved into the Jupon, worn over clothing and armor, and often highly decorated.
Category:Clothing of Juhnvechteya
Category:Armor of Juhnvechteya