Knight tabard
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The tabard is the most distinctive garment of the medieval knight – an outer garment that showed at a glance whom a warrior served, which order he belonged to, and which colours he wore. In this category, you’ll find over 95 tabards and surcoats for re-enactment, medieval markets and LARP – from simple cotton starter models to lined woollen tabards for historically accurate representation of orders.
What is a surcoat – function, history and terminology
The surcoat – also known as a tabard, coat of arms, tappert or surcot – is a sleeveless or short-sleeved outer garment that knights wore over their chainmail or armour from the 12th century onwards. Its most important function was practical: in the heat of battle, friend and foe had to be distinguishable from a distance. The coat of arms colours and heraldic symbols on the surcoat – the knight’s personal coat of arms or the insignia of his order – made the wearer immediately recognisable.
At the same time, the tabard protected the armour beneath from the elements: rain, sun and dust quickly corroded metal, whilst the fabric of the outer garment was easier to clean and replace than a damaged chainmail.
Conceptually, a distinction is worth making: a surcoat always refers to a garment bearing a specific heraldic symbol – a coat of arms, an order’s insignia or a symbolic colour combination. The term ‘overcoat’, on the other hand, generally describes a garment worn over other clothing without heraldic decoration. Surcoat and tappert are historical synonyms from the Romance and Germanic linguistic areas respectively. The surcoat is thus not only protective clothing, but also a symbol of status and a distinguishing mark in one.
The surcoat enjoyed its heyday in the High and Late Middle Ages – from the late 12th to the 14th century. Typical wearers were knights in the field, crusaders and members of religious orders, but also tournament combatants who displayed their coat of arms colours.
Material and workmanship: cotton, wool and natural fibres
The choice of material determines not only the look, but also comfort and historical authenticity. The range mainly comprises two groups of materials:
| Material | Suitability | Use | Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% cotton | LARP Reenactment | Eckhart tunics, Mi-Parti variants, order tunics | Machine washable, easy care, suitable for markets and warm seasons |
| Wool with cotton lining | Historically authentic | Tunic of a Knight of the Teutonic Order (high-end range) | Wash gently or dry clean; more sensitive to moisture |
Cotton remains the most widely used material: breathable, hard-wearing and well-suited to markets lasting several hours in summer. The woollen version – as found in the German Order of Knights’ tunic – feels heavier and warmer, which is historically more accurate for portraying High Medieval Order knights. The tabards from our own brand, Vehi Mercatus, are made exclusively from natural fibres – synthetics are not found in our own-brand range because synthetic fibres are unconvincing both historically and in terms of feel.
A knight’s clothing – layers and ensemble
A knight’s clothing consisted of several coordinated layers. At the very bottom, he wore a linen shirt and leggings. Over this came the gambeson – a padded doublet that served as padding beneath the armour and cushioned blows. The chainmail formed the first metal layer, followed by plate armour for fully armoured knights. The outermost layer was the tabard, which covered all the layers and displayed the knight’s coat of arms.
For a complete knight’s outfit, matching accessories are recommended: a sturdy helmet, a cloak or cape for times away from battle, and robust knight’s shoes. Those aiming for a Crusader portrayal will also find coordinated complete sets in the shop for this specific historical context.
What is the name of a knight’s clothing? The entire ensemble comprising undergarments, gambeson, chainmail, armour and tabard is today referred to in reenactment as a knight’s costume – with the tabard, as the most visible layer, displaying the knight’s visual identifying mark to the outside world.
Tunic and coat of arms – a historical overview
The emergence of the tabard
Under the influence of the Crusades, the need for clear distinguishability in battle developed. Simple outer garments in the colours of the coat of arms made it possible to distinguish friend from foe at a distance. The first order tabards of the Templars and the Knights of St John emerged during this period.
Golden age and tournament tradition
The High Middle Ages saw the tabard reach its peak in popularity. In the world of tournaments, the ‘mi-parti’ tabard became established: divided vertically into two coat-of-arms colours, it visibly displayed both colours of a knight’s house. The tabards of the Knights of the Teutonic Order spread in the course of the Eastern Mission.
Diversification of styles
Calf-length variants were considered more formal and were preferred for ceremonies; shorter, knee-length versions offered greater freedom of movement in combat. Side slits reaching the waist allowed for unhindered riding and fencing. The cut became a distinguishing feature indicating rank and intended use.
Decline due to plate armour
With the advent of full plate armour, the tabard lost its practical significance – the armour itself was now designed to make the wearer recognisable. In ceremonial and courtly contexts, however, it remained in use for some time longer and developed into representative festive attire.
Which tabard suits which occasion and budget?
Simple cotton tabards in plain or two-tone designs – ideal for a first visit to the market, as a children’s costume or as the basis for a first LARP outfit. Machine washable and available in numerous colour options. Also available in children’s sizes, matching the adult models.
Multi-part versions and order tabards (Templars, Knights of St John, Knights of the Teutonic Order) with printed order insignia – more heraldically authentic, with a better fit. For LARP players who belong to a group, or market-goers with higher standards for their portrayal. Available in S/M/L and XL/XXL.
The Teutonic Knights’ tunic, made of wool with a cotton lining, represents the top end of the range. Heavier fabric, historically more authentic choice of materials, for re-enactments from the 12th century onwards with a clear emphasis on accuracy. Recommended for a complete order’s portrayal combined with a gambeson and matching chainmail.
Variants at a glance: Order, Mi-Parti, children’s and plus sizes
Order tunics
Three of the most famous medieval orders of knights are reflected in the coat of arms colours: the Templar tunic comes in natural/red with a characteristic cross. The Order of St John tunic bears a white cross on a black background – the Hospitallers, originally nurses during the Crusades. The Teutonic Order tunic is available in grey/natural and natural/black. All order variants are available in S/M/L and XL/XXL.
Mi-Parti
The Mi-Parti tabard is divided vertically into two colours – the left and right halves in contrasting shades such as yellow/black, black/red or natural/black. This variant was typical of tournaments in the High and Late Middle Ages and allowed both coat of arms colours of a knight or house to be worn visibly. Available in the range (Eckhart line) in several colour combinations and sizes up to XL/XXL.
Children & Plus Sizes
For families at medieval markets, we offer children’s tabards and children’s heraldic tunics to match the adult versions – same colour combinations, same material quality. This creates a harmonious family look in the camp or at the market. Adults requiring larger sizes will also find several options in XL/XXL.
With 95 items in various styles, colours and price ranges, you’ll find the perfect tabard here – whether for your first medieval market, a re-enactment order presentation or a full knight’s outfit. Take your time to browse and gear up for your next event.
Frequently asked questions
The terms are often used interchangeably, but originally referred to slightly different things. A tabard always bears a specific heraldic symbol – a personal coat of arms, an order insignia or a symbolic colour combination. A tunic is the more general term for an outer garment worn over armour, without necessarily bearing heraldic decoration. In modern usage and in our shop’s range, both terms are used interchangeably.
A knight’s full attire consisted of several layers: a linen shirt and leggings as undergarments, the gambeson as a padding layer, chainmail as the first metal layer, over which came plate armour, and the tabard as the outermost layer. A helmet, gloves and shoulder guards completed the ensemble. In re-enactment today, the entire ensemble is referred to as a knight’s costume.
A Mi-Parti tabard is divided vertically into two colours – the left and right halves each bear a coat of arms colour in contrasting shades such as yellow/black, black/red or natural/black. This design was particularly common in tournaments from the 12th to the 14th century and allowed both coat of arms colours of a knight or house to be displayed simultaneously. The Mi-Parti version is available in our range in several colour combinations and sizes up to XL/XXL.
Yes, our range includes children’s tabards and coats of arms, which are available in the same colour options as the adult models. This allows families to put together matching outfits – whether for a medieval market or a re-enactment camp. The children’s sizes are made from cotton, just like the adult versions.
For a historically authentic portrayal, we recommend the Teutonic Knight’s tunic made of wool with a cotton lining – it is in the higher price bracket (up to €109) and, in terms of material and workmanship, most closely matches the historical models from the 12th to 14th centuries. For LARP and market visits without strict authenticity requirements, the cotton versions (Eckhart range, Order tunics) are a solid and low-maintenance choice.