Historical Costumes – Bonumsartores.com

Pourpoint with baggy sleeves

A pourpoint is a fitted, quilted caftan worn in the 14th and 15th centuries, initially as an undercoat for armor, protecting the body and providing comfort. Over time, it evolved into an elegant piece of civilian clothing, worn as a standalone outer garment. It was characterized by a short cut, flattering the figure, and dense button plackets running along the front and sleeves.

A medieval garment made of wool, lined with linen, fastened with 30 buttons at the front and up to 5 on the sleeves. It features a delicate buttonless collar. The pourpoint has large, baggy sleeves in a grande assiette style, tapered at the wrists.

Standard buttons are pewter or fabric.

Dating: 14th-15th century

A mi-parti robe is available (please specify the second color in the order comments, along with the color division between the sleeves and body), as well as a choice of other wools from the Woolsome catalog, silk, or brocade.

A custom-made product, tailored to your dimensions.

Price range: 306,85 € through 377,66 €

Lowest Price in the last 30 days: 306,85 

The Pourpoint and the Evolution of Men’s Medieval Costume

The history of medieval men’s costume is a story of simple methods, leading to increasingly tailored and exquisitely finished garments. In the Middle Ages, long tunics and cloaks dominated, which gradually began to be shortened and shaped to enhance their definition. The 13th and 14th centuries saw more advanced stages, and fashion began to evolve in its concept of elegance and skill.

In this context, the pourpoint became a symbolic element of clothing. A carefully connected quilted underlay under armor protected the body from abrasions and impacts. Made from several layers of fabric, stitched in a distinctive pattern, it ensured both durability and comfort. Over time, the pourpoint became more versatile, with decorative stitching, buttons, and high-quality fabrics being used.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, the caftan evolved into a fashionable civilian garment worn by knights and aristocrats. The fitted cut, often reaching to the hips, emphasized and imposed a masculine, modern, and dynamic character. The pourpoint thus became a symbol of the transformation of medieval clothing – from a practical piece of armor to an elegant expression of position and style. These garments often feature various cutouts at the hem.

 

 

Keywords: historical costumes, medieval costumes, historical reenactment, pourpoint, medieval fashion.

see also: