Shift Giulia

If you are new to historical costuming, you will likely find the Shift Guilia from Epic Armoury to be a very welcome addition to your wardrobe. The Shift Guilia is generally the first item you will wear when adding to an outfit; it is worn underneath all other pieces of clothing. Historically, they were used to protect the thicker outer garments from body oils and provide a barrier between your skin and the coarser outer garment fabric. Utilizing a Shift Guilia not only is novel, it has completely changed how historically accurate people are comfortable during all day at a renaissance fair or other such venue.

We selected 100% cotton crepe due to its incredible feel and authentic appearance, along with its high breathability. This ensures the garment will not make you feel overheated when participating in a LARP event in the heat of summer. Additionally, it has an overall soft and worn look and feel upon opening and will be something you are likely to enjoy wearing all day long until well after the campfire tales have ended.

One of the coolest things about the Guilia is that it’s not just for wearing under dresses or tunics. Because we used modern tailoring on those old-school patterns, it fits great and moves with you. You can wear it as a solid base layer, pair it with some simple trousers for a relaxed "at-home" look, or even just wear it to bed in your tent. It’s basically the most versatile thing in your kit bag.

Why it is worth adding to your kit

• Soft Cotton Crepe: Made from 100% Cotton Crepe, the material is naturally breathable and light-weight, and it has a great textured quality
• A Perfect Foundation: You can wear it under your heavier overcoats so that you stay far more comfortable, while also keeping the outer layers looking great all weekend long
• Timeless Features: The top of the garment has a  Scoop-neckline and long, puffed sleeves with a simple tie around the wrist. This makes it versatile enough to be worn by people of all ages throughout history
• Available in sizes XS/S, S/M and L/XL

There are stories being told about you amongst the soldiers. You are the mercenary who has slain over a thousand men. You put fear in your enemies with just a glance. Your aura of darkness freezes the hearts of anyone who looks you in the eye. And your favorite? Someone is saying you made a deal with a devil so that you may never die.

You will never tell them which might be true. Instead, as you sit in camp and wash the blood from your Gambeson, you simply listen...and smirk.

DETAILS

This bestselling Ready for Battle Gambeson is a padded armour coat covering the torso, abdomen, back and upper arms. It can be worn on its own or serve as essential padding under mail or armour. The gambeson is donned like a jacket and closed on the front with four leather straps with iron buckles.

Thick enough to serve as its own armour, this sturdy gambeson is constructed with heavy layers of fluffed cotton padding sandwiched between coloured heavy cotton, all stitched together in vertical lines. The stitching keeps the padding in place and mimics a classic European high-medieval style. The gambeson is open under the armpits to allow the wearer to breathe and have ease movement.

Though of European cut, gambeson or quilted-style armours have seen world-wide use since antediluvian times, making the Ready for Battle Gambeson a great basic armour with a range of possibilities regardless of time and place.

HISTORY

• Used as padding under chainmail or plate armour
• Historically, a high-medieval European gambeson was recorded as being capable of stopping sword blows from penetrating the skin
• Could stop heavy arrows and mace and axe impacts with the addition of overlaying chainmail

Available in one size, fits unisex small - large (best fits size medium).

Donning your kimono and Jin Baori every morning is as much a ritual as a tea ceremony. Carefully inspected and folded the night before, it is of the utmost importance that a samurai of your stature maintain a pristine uniform. To look sloppy implies that your discipline is lacking--and by that logic, your swordsmanship must be, too.

Instead of risking such dishonor to your reputation, you take the care that is necessary. There will not be a thread out of place.

DETAILS

The Epic Armoury Jin Baori is a traditional open overcoat to be worn over a high-ranking samurai’s armour. Reaching from the shoulders to the mid-thigh and edged with broad golden bands along the collar and hem, this handsome garment adds detail and interest to an Asian-inspired costume. Fit shoulder armour outside the Jin-Baori by threading straps through the four eyelets located on the back and front. Each eyelet is clearly marked by golden edging, adding strength and aesthetic appeal.

On the back, the Jin-Baori has two slits allowing maximum mobility. These slits also allow a sword to hang comfortably from a belt beneath the coat. The garment is made of durable, but comfortable cotton with gold coloured cotton edging. Fully compatible with Epic Armoury's other Asian styles, the Jin-Baori is for the warrior looking to display his status and skill on the field of glory.

HISTORY

• Historically made for armoured samurai to wear
• Considered a type of haori, which is a kimono-like jacket that adds formality to an outfit
• Traditionally a male garment until the Meiji period

Discontinued 2016

DISCONTINUED IN 2019 - Still available to order but some colours/sizes may not be available. Check with us before ordering if not showing as currently in stock.

Silence. Perfect silence.

You use the silence as a cloak of armour, masked in the darkness and waiting for danger to show itself. You ready your sword, prepared to launch your deadly attack should your Lord’s assassins appear. One quick slice and they will breathe their last, you sword hitting its mark and your Kimono becoming soaked in their dark red blood. When you vanish once more, you’ll leave any of their allies bewildered and afraid.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Dark Red Kimono is a traditional Japanese T-shaped robe with ¾ length sleeves made from heavy red cotton and a reinforced collar. Reaching from the shoulders to the upper thighs, this garment is a great base to an Ancestral costume. The Kimono is worn by tying the left over the right side, securing its cotton straps located on the inside and outside of the waist. The sleeves hang loose just above the wrists, leaving the hands free and allowing the greatest possible freedom of action.

Fully compatible with Epic Armoury's other Asian styles, the Kimono is a great basis for almost any samurai-inspired character you wish to make - be it honourable warrior or dishonoured thief.

HISTORY

• A traditional Japanese garment since the 8th century
• Resembles a kosode, which is a shorter sleeved kimono worn with a hakama
• Traditionally secured with a sash tied at the back called an obi
• Always traditionally tied with the left over the right side, except when dressing the dead

The Romans control the British Isles--and your home. What was once your tribe has been taken from you in the name of the Emperor, but you will not be silenced.

You look the part of a leader in your Battle Skirt as you meet with your warriors in secret. You are plotting a revolt against your oppressors, the spark that will ignite the fire and the war that is sure to follow. You will not stand down. You are prepared to do everything it takes to win back what is rightfully yours.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Battle Skirt is an ankle-length, loose garment suitable for both men and women. Designed to be worn on the hips, this heavy cotton skirt is fitted with cotton drawstrings at the waist to keep it secure with or without a belt. Slits at the front, back and sides allow for easy movement during combat, and are reinforced with patches of split-leather to prevent tearing.

The Battle Skirt is great for defining a unique character uniform. Whether you are a one-man army wanting to stand out, or you are in a unit of soldiers and want to blend in, you will appear both stylish and dangerous by wearing this Battle Skirt.

HISTORY

• Outside Western cultures, skirts have traditionally been a part of men’s clothing since ancient times
• Skirted garments were worn by men in Europe until the Victorian period
• The Greek War Goddess Athena was depicted wearing a skirt into battle