Tunics: show us who you are
With tunics (or also tabards), people have shown since time immemorial to which clan or which order of knighthood they belong. Thus there was, and sometimes still is, besides the more well-known Order of the Temple Knights, whose symbol is a red cross pattée on a light background, also the Knights of the German Teutonic Order (black cross pattée on a light background) and the Order of St. John (white cross on a red background) and of course numerous other orders of knighthood, nobility and groups. And each of these groups naturally wanted to outwardly show their allegiance. This was best achieved in that the corresponding crest or symbol was worn on their external clothing, that is, on the tunics or - as the name already suggests - tabards.
Tunics in many colour combinations
The allegiance to a group is also determined (and definitely most of all) by the basic colours of a tunic. The
checkerboard tabard in particular is available in a multitude of colour combinations. The tunic made of robust cotton ensures that this garment is a source of pleasure for a long time. Likewise made of cotton, the
tunic is divided in the middle, also known as "mi-parti". In addition, many other models are available, whether of linen, velveteen or wool.
Tunics from the simple lad to the nobleman
In former times, the tunic was the garment that was in fashion for a very long time. Even in ancient times, tunics were very popular with the Greeks and Romans. Up to the late Middle Ages and even later, tunics – of course with modifications - were very popular and were able to clothe practically every rank, from the simple lad, who probably then wore a
wool tunic without any extras, to the knight or even king, whose tunics were more opulent and richly trimmed with golden braids and costly coat of arms. Last but not least, films such as The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit or Robin Hood give an insight into the multiplicity and elegance of the tunics.
Jerkins and doublets came later
A jerkin was first known from about the 13th Century, but as an exceptionally flattering garment quickly became fashionable in the Middle Ages. Jerkins of the most varied materials, such as cotton, wool, velvet but also leather, quickly became fashionable. Whether one can use doublet and jerkin synonymously is an issue of much debate. We think: yes, a jerkin and a doublet are in principle the same type of garments.
