Clothing that was worn with armour in the middle ages came in various styles and for various purposes. There were many different types of padded tunics or tabards which were either worn for comfort under or over the armour or for displaying the warrior's emblem in combat.
Gambesons were a padded tunic which were worn underneath the armour to provide comfort for the wearer. These were usually made of wool or cotton and allowed the garment to 'breathe' allowing air to circulate under the armour, thus keeping the warrior cool.
The Gambeson was also known as the 'Armouring Coat' and were very effective in stopping the armour from chaffing against the warrior's skin - especially when wearing chain mail armour.
The tabard was a piece of cloth which was generally worn over the top of armour or normal garments to identify the loyalty of the wearer of the tabard. They were predominantly used during the middle of the dark ages.
The coif was placed over the head of the warrior so that wearing a helmet or chain mail coif was not made uncomfortable when fighting. Coifs were usually padded with wool or cotton wadding.
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