The gambeson I am making is geared a little more toward the 1400s, but I am definitely not sewing the arms all the way around. I have not decided if I am doing tie on or not, kinda leaning toward sewn on, though. My light padded armor has ties for attatching the arms, but I have not made the arms. The ties are set up for one at the top of the shoulder and two front and back on the shoulder, leaving the armpit open for mobility and to help heat escape. I think that the heavey padded armor I am making this season will feature sewn on arms with the armpit left open as well, again for ease of movement and to help with heat release. The gambeson is likely going to tie up both sides, though if I get ambitious I may sew one side shut and just tie on the other. I am not sure if that is a period design though. My heavey padded armor will be sewn shut on the sides but have ties or maybe hook and eye closures on the front. I like the hook and eye design, but then I need to sew on a flap to fold over and cover that, so I may not do that as that is more work and sewing that I may pressed for time to finish. My gambeson is going to be just below the waist in length, I am not sure how long I am going to make the heavey padded armor, probably the same length.
