Dressing for the Baron's War and 13th Century England

“Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless, and do no wrong. That is your oath.” ~ Kingdom of Heaven

Ever since I was a kid, visions of Robin Hood have flitted from book pages and TV screens into my imagination. Granted, often in green tights and a leather jerkin, but the idea of a Merrie England full of noble knights, brave archers, and heroic common folk was a seed deep-planted. Over the years my understanding of the saga that unfurled in 12th and 13th century England grew, as did my passion for bringing it to life. For two years now in February we have journeyed back at War of the Barons to the England of King John and his quarrelsome nobles. So, no matter if you love Robin Hood, Kingdom of Heaven, or just the aesthetic of the 12th and 13th centuries, this blog post should help you get started on a new adventure.

Three Roles, One Foundation

If you are building an outfit for the 13th century, you need to first pick your character’s role. Most people of the time fell into one of a few broad categories, and your clothing reflects that.

• Knights and Nobles wore richer fabrics (finer wool, linen, and silk), layers, and brighter colors. Their kit was practical for travel and warfare but also designed to show off status.
• Men-at-Arms and Archers had simpler but serviceable gear. Less color, less material, and more sturdy and rugged fabrics.
• Peasants and Commonfolk lived in homespun linen and wool garments such as tunics, cloaks, and hose colored with natural dyes.

Of course another major part of society was members of the clergy, but we will leave them for another blog post! But no matter the role, here’s the secret: the core layers were often the same. It’s the materials, colors, accessories, and layering that changed. Whether you’re a baron or a baker, your foundation is going to start in the same place.

Soft Kit: Your Everyday Basics

If you're putting together a 13th century kit, this is where you start. We have linked items from our shop that you may find helpful. But any similar garments will help you achieve your look.

Tunic

The tunic is your main garment. Most were knee-to-ankle length, with long sleeves and made from linen or wool. Nobles might wear longer tunics as they were less worried about brambles, mud, and cost. I recommend starting with one good tunic, like the Knight’s Tunic or Hero Tunic. This will work well by itself or as a bottom layer.

Legwear and Hose

You’ve got two basic options: braies and hose, or trousers. Hose are period accurate and tied at the waist, worn with under-shorts (braies). However, generally you cannot tell the difference, and braies and hose can be a bit of a pain to those not used to them. Trousers are a more modern option, but still believable for a grounded outfit in this time period.

Belts

A narrow leather belt tied or buckled at the waist finishes the tunic and gives you a place to hang pouches, knives, or a sword. A second, more sturdy belt worn over a surcoat helps carry your sword into battle.

Boots

Low or mid-calf boots with simple lacing or buckles work well. If you plan to run a lot, I do recommend a good tread for increased traction. Comfortable boots you will actually wear are more important than perfect historical accuracy, but they should still blend with the rest of your look.

Headwear and Hoods

Headwear completes a kit. A linen or wool hood works for any class. Hoods with a slight point at the back were very common and add a great silhouette to your outfit.

Cloaks

Cloaks like the Knight’s Cape or with a simple clasp or tie are timeless. Wool is best as it keeps out rain and wind. But linen can be cooler and easier to wear in warm climates or in combat.

Military Kit: Knights, Soldiers, and Squires

If your character is planning on getting into a fight, this is where the second layer of your look begins.

Helmets

A good helmet is the first piece of armor I would buy and the one most likely to keep you alive! These are just a few of the options available to the 13th century warrior:

• Kettle helms offer great visibility and were worn by infantry.
• Nasal helms are classic and worn by all roles, from knights to archers.
• Great helms are period-accurate but heavy and reduce visibility. Ideal for mounted knights or those planning to fight in the shieldwall.

Start with something comfortable and breathable. Remember, a helmet you will actually wear is far better than a more cumbersome one you will not!

Gambeson and Chainmail

A gambeson (padded jacket) is essential. It can be worn on its own for warmth and protection or layered under chainmail. Chainmail hauberks were by far the most common and useful armor for the professional knight or soldier. But of course, they are heavy, so not suited for everyone. But if you want that true 13th century aesthetic, chainmail is the way to go! For the most accurate look, include a chainmail hood and mittens.

Weapons

The sword is the iconic weapon of the knight. Long, straight-bladed swords with a substantial crossguard are the most accurate. But don't forget the real workhorse of the battlefield—the spear! The spear and lance have won far more battles than the sword. If you want to mix it up, you can also add battle axes and early maces to your armory!

Shields

The classic kite/heater shield is iconic of this era of the Middle Ages. Make sure you paint them to get rid of the glossy foam/latex look! This also lets you add your own or your baron’s heraldry for extra flair. Add some weathering to make it feel authentic. Check out this video tutorial we made on painting shields!

Surcoats and Heraldry

Over your armor or tunic, a surcoat is the most powerful piece of visual storytelling. It’s where you show your colors on the battlefield.

Surcoats can be simple and made of a single color, multi-colored, or have your own or your liege’s heraldry on them! It is the surcoat (along with shields and banners) that made up the beautiful and iconic tapestry of color on the medieval battlefield.

Getting Started on a Budget

You don’t need to buy everything at once. Focus on a basic kit first. From there, add armor, weapons, and accessories.

Remember to use natural materials for the greatest realism; wool, linen, or leather are your go-to textures. Avoid cotton, polyester, bright synthetics, or modern logos. You’ll be surprised how much better you look with fewer, better pieces.

Where to Shop

If you’re looking to start building a 13th century kit with solid foundations, we offer a collection of handmade garments at Fell & Fair. Every design is battle-tested by our team and crafted with historical tone in mind. But you can also make your own gear or get it from other quality vendors.

Additional Sources and Visual References

If you're building a 13th century kit, start by looking at period art. Manuscripts like the Maciejowski Bible (also called the Morgan Bible) are full of detailed, colorful illustrations of what people wore in the mid-1200s. Quality pop-culture films for inspiration include Kingdom of Heaven and Robin Hood (2010).

Final Thoughts

A 13th century kit doesn’t need to be complicated. With a little vision and a few well-chosen pieces, you can walk into your next event looking and feeling like you belong.

Whether you're a baron riding into battle or a commoner sweeping the stables, this period offers some of the most grounded and striking looks in medieval costuming.

If you have questions or want help assembling your kit, reach out to us! We are always excited to help someone begin their next adventure.