Musketeer Outfit

The musketeer outfit was not only meant for protection, but style and flair. They were representatives of the king’s court and were his elite guards. The French Musketeer was started under King Louis XIII’s reign and the elite soldiers of France. They were trained in both the musket and sword for any combat situation. The tabard is the draping over the entire musketeer ensemble, often made of velvet and silk. It was not only fashionable, but provided protection against melee attacks to the upper body. The tabbard fit both in battle and on the court. There was the plume feather cavalier hat which was fashionable for the day and another accessory for the French court. A musketeer could also wear leather boots with any matching color gloves.

The gloves provided protection during sword practice and real combat along with the boots, providing protection against lower melee strikes. The rapier was the lifeblood of any musketeer and the art form of fencing was devoted to the thrusting weapon. The rapier is a departure from typical medieval cutting swords since it is primarily a thrusting weapon. The rapier is typically a symbol of an elite warrior such as the musketeer. Underneath the musketeer outfit was a plain white shirt and pants. The musketeer outfit was not your typical cumbersome medieval armor, but a way for always being on the ready for battle at any time while remaining fashionable in the King’s presence or around court. The musketeer outfit is one of the few outfits in history that successfully blended soldier attire with everyday dress.