The Armour Archive

I am making a pattern for a 15th century brig. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how much extra space I need to allow for the plates? Should I make it a bit loose on me, or as tight as a shirt?

Thanks folks

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The defining characteristic of fanaticism is the inability to understand why everyone else is not a fanatic.

Hi Noe,

It should be made to fit as tight as a shirt (or tighter) over whatever foundation garments you intend to wear it over. It should not look like a sack.

I'll be posting pics this weekend of neander-brig, which is 95% complete. It lacks most of the collar plates, and armhole edge plates, and all but two waist plates, but it is complete enough to be worn and fought in. I'll also post pics of my brigandine, which know has all the front plates save the waist plates, and two of the little collar plates and one of the armhole plates in place. Mine will be done before Thanksgiving, or before Christmas at latest.

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Bob R.

Chef, thank you kindly for the advice. I look forward to seeing your pics.

Um when you say as tight or tighter than a shirt, do you mean before the plates are added, or after? My problem is that I am not sure how extra room I should allow for the plates when I am making the pattern.

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The defining characteristic of fanaticism is the inability to understand why everyone else is not a fanatic.

It should be as snug (or more) that a proper fitting vest on a 3 (or more) piece suit.

To the poing that the brigandine will just slightly start to compress the doublet underneath. I like to use the term "form fitting".