Coton Pourpoint or Arming Doublet for Armour

The Arming Doublet is a structural garment designed to support and stabilise armour within a complete harness system. Covering the torso and upper hips, it distributes the load of attached armour across the body, reducing localised strain and maintaining structural coherence during movement.

Constructed from double-layer natural cotton canvas, it provides durability and structural integrity without added padding. This reflects historical arming garments: effective support comes from correct load distribution and stable suspension, not bulk. The absence of padding preserves mobility, limits heat retention, and allows direct interfacing between body and armour.

The lower arming points are reinforced with genuine leather, ensuring durability under continuous tension and secure attachment of leg harness elements. These reinforced zones prevent deformation and maintain consistent positioning under load.

The arm and shoulder assembly is fully gusseted and constructed in multiple articulated panels, allowing full arm mobility under load. This construction isolates arm movement from the body of the garment, preventing lift or displacement of the doublet when raising the arms, even when supporting the weight of attached armour.

The doublet features a front lacing system combined with lower back lacing, allowing precise adjustment. It is designed to be worn tightly at the waist and above the hips, creating a stable anchor point for armour suspension.

Like its historical counterparts, the doublet is designed to carry and suspend leg armour directly, including chausses and associated elements. In most configurations, no additional suspension system is required, though it may be used if desired.

It is perfectly suited for use with ARCEM systems, including the ARCEM full synthetic armour suit. Its structure and adjustment system provide an effective and coherent solution for stable armour suspension.

This garment is not Newton-rated and is not intended to meet protective standards required in certain competitive environments. Where a certified Newton rating is required (e.g. tournaments or regulated fencing events), an appropriate rated garment must be used instead.

Specifications

• Type: arming doublet
• Function: torso load distribution and armour suspension
• Material: double-layer natural cotton canvas
• Padding: none
• Reinforcements: genuine leather at arming points
• Lacing system: front lacing + lower back lacing
• Fit: tight adjustment at waist and upper hips
• Attachment points: reinforced eyelets for arming ties
• Certification: not Newton-rated
• Use: HEMA, reenactment, armour systems
• Compatibility: ARCEM full synthetic armour suit
• Construction: handcrafted