The 5 M’s: your ultimate starter kit for a Knights Templar wardrobe
The Mantle: The cloak of a warrior monk
The journey into any Templar wardrobe begins with its most iconic and visually arresting piece: the mantle. More than just a garment, the Templar cloak was a symbol, a declaration, and a sacred vestment. For the knights of the Order, this was a heavy wool mantle of pure white, a color chosen to represent the purity of their monastic vows and their commitment to a life free from worldly stain. Draped over the left shoulder was the stark, blood-red cross pattée, a potent symbol of the martyrdom they were willing to face in service to their faith. This was not a fashion choice; it was a uniform granted by papal decree at the Council of Troyes in 1129, a visual link to their holy purpose.
For the sergeants, who formed the backbone of the Order’s fighting force, the mantle was typically black or brown, signifying humility and their station below the noble-born knights. Yet, they too bore the red cross, a unifying emblem that marked every member as part of this elite brotherhood. The mantle provided protection from the elements, warmth during cold nights on campaign, and a makeshift blanket when needed. But its symbolic power far outweighed its practical use. To don the mantle was to leave one’s old life behind and embrace a new identity as a soldier of Christ.
How does one incorporate this foundational piece into a modern collection? For the dedicated historical reenactor, authenticity is key. This means seeking out a mantle crafted from heavy, period-appropriate wool. Pay close attention to the cut and drape, as well as the specific design of the cross. A well-made mantle should have a tangible weight, a constant reminder of the gravity of the vows it represents. It should be simple, unadorned, and powerful in its austerity.
For those seeking to infuse their daily attire with Templar spirit, the approach is more nuanced. The mantle’s essence can be captured in a modern, high-quality overcoat in white, cream, or black. Think of a long, flowing coat that creates a strong silhouette. The symbolism can be introduced with a subtle accessory—a lapel pin bearing the cross pattée or even a tastefully designed pocket square. The goal is not to create a costume, but to evoke the principles of protection, purity, and purpose that the original mantle embodied. It’s about choosing an outer layer that feels both commanding and dignified.
The Maille and Surcoat: The armor of faith
Beneath the flowing mantle lay the grim reality of the Templar’s profession: the maille, or chainmail. A knight’s hauberk was his second skin, a painstaking mesh of thousands of interlinked iron rings that could turn aside a sword slash or a spear thrust. It was a testament to the wearer’s status and a crucial tool of survival. The creation of maille was an expensive and time-consuming craft, and a full suit represented a significant investment. It was heavy, cumbersome, and required constant maintenance to prevent rust, but on the battlefield, it was the difference between life and death. Underneath the maille, a padded garment known as a gambeson was worn to absorb the shock of blows and prevent the metal rings from chafing the skin.
Worn over this layer of steel was the surcoat, a simple, sleeveless tunic that served several vital functions. Primarily, the white surcoat protected the maille from the punishing sun of the Holy Land, preventing the knight from overheating inside his metal armor. It also kept mud and rain from corroding the iron rings. Critically, it served as a uniform. Like the mantle, the surcoat was emblazoned with the red cross, making the Templar instantly identifiable amidst the chaos of battle. This simple garment transformed an anonymous warrior into a clear symbol of the Order, a beacon for his allies, and an object of dread for his enemies.
Translating this layered, functional armor into a modern wardrobe requires creativity. For the reenactor, the path involves sourcing either butted or the more historically accurate riveted maille. The weight and feel of a maille shirt or coif (a hood) are central to understanding the physical experience of a medieval warrior. A simple linen surcoat, cut to the correct length, completes the authentic look.
For contemporary style, we draw inspiration from the concepts of layering and texture. The idea of maille can be represented by clothing with a textured weave, such as a chunky knit sweater or a shirt made from a unique, patterned fabric. The protective quality can be mirrored in durable, well-constructed garments like a waxed canvas jacket or a leather vest. The surcoat’s role is more easily adapted. A simple, well-fitting tunic-style shirt in white, beige, or black linen serves as an excellent base layer. Worn over a darker long-sleeved shirt, it creates a modern interpretation of the surcoat-over-gambeson look. It’s about building a wardrobe with functional, protective, and visually distinct layers, just as the Templar knight did.
The Medallion and the Motif: Symbols of the order
While the mantle and maille defined the Templar’s physical presence, it was the smaller, more personal symbols that spoke to his soul and the Order’s identity. These were the medallions and motifs that adorned their equipment, their seals, and often, their persons. These were not mere decorations; they were a constant, tangible connection to the Templar’s beliefs and brotherhood. A Templar’s personal seal, for instance, was a vital tool for authenticating documents, but its design was rich with meaning. The most famous of these is the image of two knights sharing a single horse, a powerful symbol of the vow of poverty and the brotherhood that bound them together.
Another key symbol was the Agnus Dei, or Lamb of God, often depicted holding a banner with a cross. This represented Christ and the sacrifice the knights were sworn to emulate. The most ubiquitous motif, however, remains the cross pattée. This elegant cross, with arms that are narrow at the center and flare out at the ends, was the definitive mark of the Order. It was painted on shields, embroidered on surcoats, and likely worn as a personal token of faith. It was a simple, powerful design that was immediately recognizable and universally understood within the context of the Crusades.
This is perhaps the most accessible of the 5 M’s for the modern enthusiast. Incorporating these symbols into your wardrobe is a direct and personal way to connect with Templar history. The options are nearly limitless, but the key is to choose pieces with a sense of quality and reverence.
A well-crafted medallion or pendant is the perfect starting point. Look for a sterling silver or pewter cross pattée on a simple leather cord or chain. It’s a classic piece that is both subtle and significant. A signet ring engraved with a Templar symbol, such as the cross or the two knights, is another historically resonant choice. It carries a sense of authority and personal identity, much like the original seals. For more formal attire, consider a pair of cufflinks or a tie bar featuring the cross. In casual wear, a high-quality embroidered patch can be added to a jacket or bag, or a leather belt can be embossed with a Templar motif. The goal is to select accessories that feel timeless and meaningful, turning a simple outfit into a statement of principle and a nod to a legendary heritage.
The Mettle: The unseen element of the Templar wardrobe
The final and most crucial element of the Templar starter kit is not something you can purchase or wear in the traditional sense. It is the mettle—the spirit, the character, and the code of conduct that animated the physical uniform. A man in a white mantle was just a man in a cloak; it was his adherence to the Templar Code, based on the Latin Rule laid down by Bernard of Clairvaux, that made him a knight. This code demanded piety, discipline, courage, and a profound sense of humility. It governed every aspect of a Templar’s life, from how he prayed to how he fought.
This internal armor was the true source of the Templar’s legendary reputation. Their ferocity in battle was matched only by their piety in prayer. They were forbidden from retreating unless the odds were worse than three to one, and they were expected to live a communal, austere life, renouncing personal wealth and vanity. This mettle—this blend of a warrior’s courage and a monk’s humility—was the unseen foundation upon which the entire Order was built. Without it, the uniform was an empty shell.
In the modern context, embracing this fifth ‘M’ means understanding that a Templar-inspired wardrobe is more than a fashion statement. It is an outward reflection of an inner commitment to a set of ideals. It means wearing these powerful symbols with an understanding of what they represent: honor, integrity, the protection of the innocent, and the pursuit of a higher purpose. It’s about carrying yourself with a quiet confidence and dignity. It means valuing substance over style, and action over words. Cultivating this mettle is what truly completes the Templar wardrobe. It transforms the clothing from a collection of items into a personal uniform, a daily reminder to live by a code of modern chivalry. By first building this internal foundation, every other piece you wear becomes infinitely more meaningful.