The Knights Templar were among the most well-known military orders of the Middle Ages. They were Christian knights who protected pilgrims and took part in military campaigns during the Crusades. Their clothing was not only designed for battle but also represented their religious beliefs and membership in the Templar Order.

So, what did Templar Knights wear?

Templar knights were famous for their white mantles with a red cross. During battle, they wore chainmail armor, padded clothing, helmets, and protective shields. They also carried weapons such as swords and lances. Their clothing and equipment depended on their role, rank, and the period in which they lived.

In this guide, we will explore Knights Templar clothing, medieval armor, the meaning of the red cross, and the weapons and equipment used by these medieval warriors.

1. Who Were the Knights Templar?

The Knights Templar were a Christian military and religious order established around 1119 in Jerusalem. Their original purpose was to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land.

The full name of the organization was the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon. They became known as the Knights Templar because their headquarters were located near the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Unlike ordinary knights, Templar members followed religious rules and lived under an organized system of discipline. They combined religious duties with military responsibilities.

The Templar Order became powerful during the Crusades and developed a recognizable identity through its clothing, symbols, and military equipment.

Their distinctive white mantles and red crosses became some of the most recognizable features of medieval Crusader clothing.

2. What Did Templar Knights Wear?

The traditional Templar Knight uniform included several layers of clothing. Each layer had a different purpose, from providing protection to identifying members of the order.

The main items included:

• White mantle with a red cross

• White tunic or surcoat

• Chainmail hauberk

• Padded undergarment

• Chainmail hood or coif

• Medieval helmet

• Leather belt

• Mail leg protection

• Riding equipment

Not every Templar wore exactly the same clothing. Equipment could change depending on the member's rank, location, wealth, and military responsibilities.

White Mantle

The white mantle was the most recognizable part of a Templar knight's clothing.

It was a long outer garment worn over other clothing. The mantle helped identify knights as members of the Templar Order.

According to the historical traditions of the order, the white mantle was reserved for professed knight brothers. Other members, including sergeants, wore different colors.

The mantle was not designed to provide heavy protection in battle. Its main purpose was to represent the identity and religious traditions of the order.

White Tunic and Surcoat

A tunic was a basic garment worn over the body. A surcoat was an outer garment that could be worn over armor.

Templar knights used light-colored clothing, including white garments associated with their order.

During military campaigns, a surcoat could be worn over chainmail. It helped cover the armor and made the knight's clothing and identifying symbols more visible.

Hood and Head Covering

Templar clothing could include a hood for covering the head and neck.

When preparing for battle, knights also used protective head coverings such as a mail coif. This helped protect areas that were not covered by the main body armor.

3. Why Did Templar Knights Wear White Mantles?

The white mantle was an important symbol of the Knights Templar.

It helped distinguish the knight brothers from other members and represented the religious identity of the order.

White was associated with purity and the religious ideals followed by the Templars.

The mantle also made the order visually recognizable during travel and military campaigns.

However, not every member of the Templar Order was allowed to wear a white mantle. The order had specific rules about clothing based on membership and rank.

White mantles were associated with knight brothers, while sergeants generally wore darker garments.

4. What Did the Red Cross on Templar Clothing Mean?

The red cross was another important symbol of the Knights Templar.

It was worn on their clothing to identify their connection with the Christian military order.

Historical accounts associate the addition of the red cross to Templar mantles with the papacy of Pope Eugenius III during the mid-12th century.

The cross represented the religious identity of the order and its commitment to its Christian mission.

The red cross was commonly displayed on the white mantle and other garments.

What Did the Templar Red Cross Look Like?

The exact design of the historical Templar cross is not always represented consistently in medieval images.

Modern illustrations commonly show a red cross pattée, with arms that widen toward their outer ends.

However, historical depictions and surviving records show variations.

The important point is that the red cross became a recognizable emblem of the Templar Order.

5. What Armor Did Knights Templar Wear in Battle?

Knights Templar needed strong protective equipment because they fought in dangerous medieval battles.

Their armor was similar to the equipment used by other European knights during the 12th and 13th centuries.

Unlike the full steel plate armor seen in later medieval periods, early Templar warriors mainly relied on chainmail and padded protection.

Chainmail Armor

Chainmail was one of the most important parts of medieval Templar armor.

It consisted of many small metal rings connected together to create a flexible protective garment.

Chainmail helped protect the body against sword cuts and other battlefield attacks.

Chainmail Hauberk

A chainmail hauberk was a long protective shirt made from connected metal rings.

It usually covered the torso and extended toward the thighs. Some designs included long sleeves and additional protection for the arms.

A hauberk allowed knights to move while providing protection during combat.

Chainmail Coif

A chainmail coif was a protective hood made from interlinked metal rings.

It covered the head and neck, helping protect these areas during battle.

Depending on the period and design, it could be worn with a helmet.

Medieval Helmet

Templar knights used helmets that changed over time.

Early medieval helmets often had a rounded or conical shape, sometimes with a nose guard.

Later, larger helmets developed to provide more protection for the face and head.

The type of helmet depended on the period, equipment available, and military needs.

Shield

A shield was an important part of a knight's battlefield equipment.

Templar knights used shields to defend themselves against weapons and attacks.

Shields could also display identifying symbols, making them useful for recognizing warriors during battle.

6. What Did Templar Knights Wear Under Their Armor?

Armor alone was not enough to provide comfort and protection during battle.

Knights often wore additional clothing underneath their chainmail.

Gambeson

A gambeson was a padded garment made from layers of fabric, often filled with materials such as wool.

It provided cushioning beneath metal armor and helped reduce discomfort caused by wearing chainmail.

Padded clothing was especially important because chainmail could be heavy and uncomfortable when worn for long periods.

Tunic and Undergarments

A basic tunic and other garments could be worn underneath the armor.

These layers helped protect the skin from direct contact with metal rings and provided additional comfort.

The exact clothing depended on the period and the individual's equipment.

Leg Protection

Medieval knights also needed protection for their legs.

Chainmail chausses were used to protect the legs, especially by mounted warriors.

These protective garments were an important part of medieval military equipment.

7. What Weapons and Accessories Did Templar Knights Carry?

Templar knights were trained warriors who used different weapons and accessories during military campaigns.

Their equipment helped them fight on horseback and on foot.

Sword

The sword was one of the main weapons carried by medieval knights.

Templar knights used swords for close combat during battles.

Medieval swords were designed for different fighting techniques and could vary in length, weight, and shape.

Lance

A lance was a long weapon mainly used by mounted knights.

It allowed a warrior to attack opponents while riding a horse.

Lances were especially important during cavalry charges.

Shield

Knights carried shields for protection against weapons and battlefield attacks.

Some shields displayed identifying symbols or designs associated with their owners or military groups.

Mace

A mace was another weapon used by medieval warriors.

It had a heavy striking head attached to a handle and could be used during close combat.

Horse and Riding Equipment

Horses were essential to medieval knights, especially during military campaigns.

Templar knights used horses for transportation and mounted combat.

Their riding equipment could include:

• Saddles

• Bridles

• Spurs

• Reins

• Horse protection

The order's rules also described allowances for horses and supporting equipment.

8. What Did Templar Sergeants Wear?

The Knights Templar included different groups of members. Not everyone in the order had the same rank or clothing.

Sergeants were an important part of the Templar military organization. They performed military duties and supported the order's operations.

Unlike knight brothers, who were associated with white mantles, sergeants generally wore darker clothing.

Their garments commonly included:

• Black or brown mantle

• Dark-colored tunic or surcoat

• Red cross

• Military clothing

• Protective equipment

The red cross helped identify their connection with the Templar Order.

Sergeants could also use weapons and armor appropriate to their military responsibilities.

Their clothing showed an important difference between the knight brothers and other members of the order.

9. How Did Knights Templar Clothing Change Over Time?

Knights Templar clothing and armor changed as medieval warfare developed.

The order existed for nearly two centuries, from the early 12th century until its suppression in the early 14th century.

During this period, military equipment improved and new designs became available.

Early Templar Clothing

During the early years, Templar knights relied mainly on chainmail, tunics, mantles, and basic helmets.

Their military equipment was similar to that used by other European knights.

12th and 13th Century Armor

During the 12th and 13th centuries, chainmail became an important part of knightly protection.

Knights used hauberks, coifs, leg protection, shields, and helmets.

Their clothing also included surcoats and mantles displaying their order's identity.

Later Medieval Developments

Over time, medieval armor continued to develop.

Additional protective elements, including coats of plates and more advanced helmets, became increasingly common in European warfare.

However, it is important not to confuse later medieval full plate armor with the equipment typically used by Templar knights during the main period of the order.

The familiar image of a knight wearing complete steel plate armor belongs mainly to a later period.

10. Historical Templar Clothing vs. Modern Knights Templar Uniforms

There is an important difference between the clothing worn by historical Knights Templar and the uniforms used by modern organizations that follow Templar traditions.

Historical Templar knights wore practical medieval garments, including white mantles, red crosses, chainmail, tunics, and helmets.

Modern Knights Templar organizations, including Masonic Templar bodies, use ceremonial regalia inspired by the historical order.

Modern ceremonial clothing may include:

• White tunics

• White mantles

• Red crosses

• Ceremonial caps

• Sashes

• Belts

• Swords

• Decorative accessories

These items are designed for formal ceremonies and represent the traditions and symbolism of the order.

They should not be confused with authentic medieval military equipment.

Members interested in modern Knights Templar regalia should check the requirements of their particular organization before choosing a uniform.

Final Thoughts on Medieval Templar Clothing

So, what did Templar Knights wear?

The Knights Templar were known for their white mantles with red crosses, white tunics, and distinctive military clothing. During battle, they wore chainmail armor, padded garments, helmets, and protective shields. They also carried weapons such as swords, lances, and maces.

Their clothing was more than a military uniform. It represented their membership, religious identity, and place within the Templar Order.

Today, the historical clothing of the Knights Templar continues to inspire modern ceremonial uniforms and regalia.

For those interested in modern Knights Templar ceremonial attire, explore the Knights Templar clothing and regalia collection at Trendwall.

Visit : Trendwall Masonic Shop to discover ceremonial tunics, mantles, and other Masonic and Knights Templar accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Templar Knights wear?

Templar knights wore white mantles with red crosses, tunics, and surcoats. During battle, they used chainmail armor, helmets, padded clothing, shields, and other protective equipment.

Why did Knights Templar wear white?

White mantles were associated with the knight brothers of the Templar Order. The color represented religious ideals such as purity and helped distinguish them from other members.

What color cross did the Knights Templar wear?

The Knights Templar wore a red cross on their clothing, especially on their white mantles. It represented their identity as members of the Christian military order.

Did Knights Templar wear chainmail?

Yes. Chainmail was an important part of their military equipment. They used chainmail hauberks, coifs, and leg protection to defend themselves during battles.

What did Templar knights wear under their armor?

They commonly wore tunics and padded garments under their armor. Padded clothing, including garments similar to the gambeson, helped provide comfort beneath chainmail.

What weapons did Knights Templar use?

Their weapons included swords, lances, and maces. They also carried shields and used horses during mounted military campaigns.

What did Templar sergeants wear?

Templar sergeants generally wore darker clothing, such as black or brown mantles and dark tunics or surcoats. They also displayed the red cross associated with the order.

Did Knights Templar wear full plate armor?

Not during most of the order's history. Templar knights mainly used chainmail and other protective equipment. Full plate armor became common in European warfare after the main period of the Templar Order.

What is the difference between historical Templar clothing and modern Templar uniforms?

Historical Templar clothing was designed for religious life and medieval warfare. Modern Templar uniforms are ceremonial garments inspired by historical clothing and used by organizations that follow Templar traditions.