Choose medieval clothing around the garment you need, the layers you plan to wear and your event’s rules. This guide helps you compare the MedievalThread collections before checking a design’s own materials and size chart.
Find what you need: Choose a garment · Read the materials · Measure for fit · Plan your outfit · Before you order
1. Start with the garment
Hoods: a separate head and shoulder layer
A peasant hood is a useful starting point for a simple village or traveller-inspired outfit. A liripipe hood adds a long tail. Compare mantle depth, face opening and the way the hood closes. Dagged edges and embroidery change the appearance; they do not establish a garment’s historical accuracy.
A simple starting point: the Rowan Peasant Hood has a short rounded mantle and braided throat ties. Compare that compact shape with the longer-tailed styles in the liripipe collection. Start with the shape you want around your face and shoulders, then check the product’s own size guide.
Cloaks: length, sweep and arm access
For medieval cloaks and capes, look beyond the hood. Compare the neck-to-hem length, shoulder coverage, front fastening and available arm openings. Check length while wearing your event footwear, and allow room for the garments underneath. A full cloak and a short shoulder cape create very different outlines.
If arm access matters: the Bracken Ranger Cloak includes faced arm slits and a back walking vent. Look at where those openings sit, then check your intended layers and hem clearance. If you need an exact finished length, ask before ordering.
Gambesons: quilted costume layers
Compare gambesons by sleeve coverage, hem length, quilting and closures. Read the shell, lining and padding separately. These garments are sold as clothing and costume layers, not certified protective equipment. Do not assume suitability for HEMA, sparring or combat; follow your organiser’s equipment rules.
For a shaped quilted silhouette: the Aldren Light Gambeson has shaped sleeves, a mid-thigh hem and three front buckle straps. Its guide separates layered body measurements from finished garment measurements, so compare the column that answers your fit question.
Coats, jackets and other layers
The coats and jackets collection includes fitted and open-front silhouettes alongside tunics, doublets and other layering garments. Choose the outline first, then compare the chest or bust, waist, shoulders, sleeves and finished length for the specific design.
For the base of an outfit: the Hedeby Tunic offers a plain long-sleeve shape with side slits and a single-button neck opening. Use its finished silhouette as your starting point, then choose the hood or outer layer you want to add.
2. Read the material composition
A garment’s title is only a starting point. Check the percentages and the separate outer, lining, padding, trim and fastener details on its product page. Wool blends and 100% linen are different materials, and a linen lining does not make the whole garment linen. Photographs and illustrations can show shape and colour, but cannot prove fibre content, warmth, waterproofing or impact protection.
Match your choice to the conditions you expect and the care you can provide. Compare fabric weight and lining where listed, without treating either as a performance certification. Follow the care instructions for the finished garment, especially when it combines cloth, padding, leather or hardware.
3. Measure for the layers you will wear
Use the chart attached to the exact product, rather than transferring a letter size from another design. Measure with a soft tape and keep it comfortably level. For hoods, measure head circumference over any coif you intend to wear. For body garments, take the relevant measurements over your planned base layers.
Check whether the chart describes body measurements or finished garment measurements. Finished measurements include the garment itself; do not add a second allowance if the chart already explains the intended ease. Compare both your body measurement and the desired finished length. If two measurements suggest different sizes or the chart does not answer your question, contact us before ordering. Send the product name, your measurements with units and the layers you plan to wear; this is more useful than your usual high-street size.
Keep measurements in one unit while comparing. To convert inches to centimetres, multiply by 2.54. To convert centimetres to inches, divide by 2.54. For example, 40 inches equals 101.6 cm. Rounding a conversion does not create a new size option.
4. Check the event and the complete outfit
For a Renaissance faire or fantasy LARP character, begin with the silhouette and add layers gradually. For a reenactment group, ask which period, materials, construction and colours they accept before buying. Historical inspiration is not the same as a documented reproduction, and costume clothing does not replace required protective equipment.
Read “what is included” on the product page. A styled image may include a shirt, belt, footwear or accessories that are not supplied with the featured garment. Use the listed colour and size options for the item you are ordering.
Before you order
Check your selected variation, the item’s size chart and care information. Review the shipping policy for delivery information and the returns and refunds policy before placing an order. If you are buying for a fixed event date, ask about timing first. Contact support@medievalthread.com with the product name and the question you need answered.