Key Difference – Jerkin vs Doublet
Jerkin and doublet are both historical men’s garments that were popular in Europe during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. A doublet is a close-fitted padded garment with long sleeves. A jerkin is a tight-fitted sleeveless jacket that was worn above the doublet. This is the key difference between jerkin and doublet.
What is a Jerkin?
A jerkin is a man’s close-fitting, sleeveless jacket, typically made of leather. These garments were worn over doublets in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Leather jerkins worn during the sixteenth century were punched and slashed, worn closed at the neck, and hung open at the doublet. By the seventeenth century, they were high-waisted and long-skirted like the doublets at the time. It was fashionable at that time to button it at the waist and leave the rest open. However, jerkins also refer to another type of jacket – a similar sleeveless jacket worn by British soldiers in the twentieth century. They provided soldiers protection against the cold while allowing free movement.
What is a Doublet?
A doublet is a padded, close-fitting jacket worn by men from the 14th to the 17th centuries. This garment originated in Spain, but soon became popular throughout Western Europe. A doublet is a snug-fitting jacket with a front opening that is fastened with buttons. It was waist length or hip length and worn over a shirt or drawers. Doublets often opened at the waistline with a V shape. They also had several embellishments such as lace, pinks, embroidery, and slashes. They were originally worn under another garment such as a mantle, jerkin, or gown, but by the end of the 15th century, they were also worn on their own. The style and cut of doublets changed over time, and they permanently dropped out of fashion in the mid-17th century. Doublets gave a fashionable shape to the body, supported the hoes (tight trousers that reach knees), and provided warmth to the body.
What is the difference between Jerkin and Doublet?
Key Takeaways:
- A jerkin is a close-fitting, sleeveless jacket, typically made of leather, while a doublet is a padded, close-fitting jacket worn by men from the 14th to the 17th centuries.
- Jerkin is a sleeveless garment, while a doublet has long sleeves.
- Jerkin is not padded, while a doublet is a padded garment.
