This came to me completely unsolicited, and I thought I would post it (with the client's permission of course!) in case anyone wanted to hear feedback from someone who had purchased an arming doublet. This was a natural linen canvas arming doublet with sewn on voiders. Fitting was done based entirely on measurements provided by the client, who is in Vienna. The entire transaction was conducted via email.---------------------
(Mon, 24 Oct 2005 11:20:10 +0200)
Hi Gwen!
you package arrived on friday!
i have to say: everytime i open one of your packages (ok, it was only the second one, but hey!) i am impressed with every piece i take out of the box! 
the arming doublet fits almost perfectly (it should be a bit wider at the shoulders/back, buts it no big issue), the hosen even fits better and is easier to move in than the one i got from my local tailor (how do you do this??
). the shirts also fit nicely and the little stuff like the lantern are nicely done and not that pricey. well, the urinal is a bit small i have to admit...hm.
anyhow, as you asked on the [LHUK] forum: your stuff is very well priced. the quality is the best i have yet seen and the prices are midrange. so quality/money ratio is bigger than 1, mathematically speaking *g*
bottomline: you are the best, Gwen. really 
genious stuff. was well worth the wait i say!
because i like your arming doublet so much i consider ordering a civilan one from you later this year. how longs the delivery time on these?
thanks a lot
with very best regards
Bernhard Fuhry, VIENNA
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(Monday, October 24, 2005 8:19 AM)
one thing that i already knew before, but that still seems a bit weird to me is the fact that your arming doublet has no padding at all.
i know that padding is more required with maille than with plate armour, but especially at the elbow and shoulders i will ad some layers of wool padding. you know blows arent pulled at our events so i'm a bit afraid that i get injured if i dont padd it. my armour fits pretty good (it has to, it was made to order *G*), but still, padding makes me feel a bit more secure *g*
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(Tue, 25 Oct 2005 16:00:53 +0200)
i tested your doublet yesterday during our i-33 trainings session and i thought you might be interested in feedback.
first thing is that i really dont need any padding. only the ellbow cups will get some, because a direct hit on them still hurts
but the shoulders are fine without.
moveability in it is very good. did some ballgames (soccer and some where you throw the ball at others) and i had no problem whatsoever. the only limitatins came from too rigid closed armour straps i think. have to test this further.
your doublet received much praise from our group. its looks, how well its done, how well thought out it is and how well it fits little me 
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I think his comments regarding the lack of padding are interesting, because the first thing people generally comment on is the lack of padding. When I tell them a 15th C. arming doublet doesn't need to be padded, they almost always doubt me, but then find out I was right.
Berny sent a picture of him in his doublet along with his comments, I'll see if I can get Jeff to upload it so I can add it to this thread.
Gwen
Black Swan Designs
Reproduction clothing division of Historic Enterprises