7. Surcoat or Tabard
The surcoat and tabard were essential garments for medieval knights, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. Worn over armor, they protected against sun and rain, preventing overheating and corrosion. Emblazoned with heraldic symbols, these garments identified knights on the battlefield and in tournaments, reflecting their lineage and allegiance. The surcoat evolved into the shorter, open-sided tabard by the 15th century, offering greater mobility. (en.wikipedia.org)
