The Armour Archive

Im attempting to make my own gambeson, and in doing so I have to decide how thickI want it to be.

With the average thickness of cotton batting roughly 1/4", how thick would you suggest it to be?

I want it to be realisticly thick, yet im not planning to fight, so it wont need to save me from blows.

And second question, more curiosity than anything, how were saxon/conic helmets secured to the head so they would not fall off?

Chinstraps of some sort?

in peace and humbly,

If you are not fighting in the gambeson, 2 layers would make a decent appearance. Take into account the weather in your area and you may want it thinner/thicker based on temperature.

Conical helmets can have a simple leather strap on each side that you bow-tie under your chin. There are more detailed ways, but I don't have any referrences while at work, sorry.

Uric

I'm guessing that your period of interest is 12th-13thC medieval. You might look at the images here to help you decide:

http://www.keesn.nl/mac/mac_en.htm