Gambeson

A gambeson is a padded jacket used to protect the torso (and generally arms as well) from bruising blows. In period, the gambeson was a foundational garment under armour, and would have been worn at all times.

In the SCA, many fighters do not wear gambesons or heavy armour, taking advantage of the SCA's rules to maximize their speed and mobility. When a gambeson is worn, it is generally worn under a heavy fighter's rigid armour, and for fencers it is generally worn just by itself with minimal added protection to groin and joints.

Ideally, a gambeson is be made of tough, heavy fabric on the outside, and soft, comfortable fabric on the inside, with a layer or two of quilting between them for padding.