Gambesons were often worn under armor to provide an extra layer of protection against blows and cuts. They could also be used as a stand-alone piece of protection in situations where full armor was not required. They were traditionally made from materials such as linen, cotton, and wool, and padded with linen or wool to provide additional protection. They could also be decorated with embroidery or designs to give them a more elaborate look.
Gambesons remained in use well into the 17th century, long after more advanced armor had been introduced. In fact, many soldiers wore them under their armor even after gunpowder was introduced to warfare. They were often used in hand-to-hand combat, such as sword fighting or knight fighting. In these cases, they were worn without armor to provide additional protection and allow greater freedom of movement.