gipon

sons of Edward III wearing heraldic giponsSons of Edward III wearing heraldic gipons, detail of a copy of a wall painting from St. Stephen's Chapel, Westminster Abbey, London, 14th century; in the Society of Antiquaries of London.

gipon, tunic worn under armour in the 14th century and later adapted for civilian use. At first a tight-fitting garment worn next to the shirt and buttoned down the front, it came down to the knees and was padded and waisted.

Later in the century the gipon became shorter, and it was replaced by the doublet in the 15th and 16th centuries. For a time it was called a pourpoint.

Citation Information
Article Title: gipon
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 20 July 1998
Access Date: February 23, 2025