I think this was probably more likely in heavier gambesons made to be used standalone or just with a breastplate & helmet as many late medieval/early renaissance soldiers were armed. Mine has the armpit holes and you can still barely bend your arms all the way the padding is so thick. Great for bloss, not so much for harness I imagine.
I've bought, tested and thrown away quite a few gambesons. Most I ruined attempting to make them work.
I think this was probably more likely in heavier gambesons made to be used standalone or just with a breastplate & helmet as many late medieval/early renaissance soldiers were armed.
Mine has the armpit holes and you can still barely bend your arms all the way the padding is so thick. Great for bloss, not so much for harness I imagine.