GDFBAB0313 Padded Arming Cap, Natural, Multi, One Size

The image of this product on Amazon is exactly accurate. The top and sides stick out from the head, and it does not cover the forehead at all. There is no rounding at all to the front of this cap. I really wish it were shaped to be a bit more form fitting on the head, but it isn't. Don't expect it to fit like a winter cap or something. This fits like a Little Bo Peep bonnet. I am wearing mine under a chainmaille coif, and it looks pretty silly. The way the top is shaped causes the coif to really lump out at the top of my forehead, and since the cap does not cover the forehead at all, it does not prevent the rings of the coif from digging into my skin there. I can kind of move it around once the coif in on to make it slightly cover my forehead, but not much.If I were just wearing this with a coif, I don't think I would like it, just because it looks idiotic. I would probably get a nice, thick winter cap instead. Fortunately, I am wearing this under a coif and the coif under a steel helmet. That's where this product really shines. It is thick, durable, and nicely padded. The helmet hides how ridiculous it looks, and with all three items on, I am comfortable. The padding is plenty sufficient to keep the weight of the helmet from digging the chain into my head, and since it ties in place I don't have to worry about it shifting around. And really, that's what this is made for, not to look cool. I am giving it only 4 stars because I think the ideal solution would both work well and look good.For my purposes, I am going to alter it somewhat to fit better under my coif. I believe just adding straps a little higher up the face hole, so the cap will sit on my head with a slightly more forward angle, will be sufficient. If I were more ambitious, I could cut some of the material off of the top front so that it is more rounded and form fitting to my head. But that might be easier said than done since the cap is so thick and padded. It will likely become more form fitting over time as it breaks in anyway.

Ok, so, after reading the reviews, it seems there are three distinct arming caps being sold on this one entry: There is one that is thick but completely shapeless, more like a bonnet than a cap; another that is even more like a bonnet, being thin and shapeless; and a third that is fitted for a head and very thickly padded.The one that I got is that third one: Nice shape and dummy thicc, and let me just say that it is everything I could want in an arming cap. One reviewer said that it was tighter than they were expecting, and (though this could be a personal/head size thing, but here it is anyways) I disagree, instead saying that it's snug, which is what you want in an arming cap. Don't want things sliding around any more than you can help, y'dig?Now, I bought this not for wearing under a helm, but to have something to use to keep my hair from getting caught in my hauberk when putting it on, and for that purpose, it is clearly more than adequate at the job, but after trying it on, this might be my go-to for wearing with either my kettle or my sugarloaf, or even my galea. This winter, I may just retire my earmuffs entirely.For the price, I would've been satisfied with any of the three they are offering, but it appears I won the armor lottery with this one. Absolute jewel of a cap.

I recently took up Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). At our local club, we do 19th century Italian saber (Radaelli style), rapier, and small sword. I had previously done Olympic style saber fencing. HEMA saber is done with a much heavier saber. When a heavy saber hits the side or the top of a fencing mask, there is a lot of impact that is passed through to the mask. The purpose of the arming cap is to provide extra padding between the inside of the fencing mask and the head. I also know some HEMA fencers who do arming sword who wear an arming cap on the inside of a chain mail coif.

This is a well made item and will offer protection. On the down side it is small. It will fit on my head but just barely. Another inch or two would have been better. My head is 24" around at the ears. It looks exactly like the product photo.

Bad: Small and tight on my head.Good: The padding seems excellent.OK: I will have to repad my helmet to go over this.

Exactly as advertised, very padded. It flares out a little bit above the temples but thats by design.I wear a chain coif over top and it fits perfectly.It absorbs a significant amount of impact as well. I use this for larp and under my chain I cannot feel a strike to my head with a foam weapon

Cheap junk that was ABSOLUTELY NOT a GDFB arming cap as pictured and advertised.

Technically function product. Not one size fits all - this is meant for a large head. When tied, it kind of flares out in a funny way... but, it stays on securely and provides decent padding.