tabard

Tabard is a historical outer garment and, in modern usage, a type of uniform worn over clothing. In the Middle Ages, a tabard was a short, loose coat worn over armor to display heraldic arms. It was often sleeveless or had very short sleeves, with a front opening and sides that could be left open to reveal the arms beneath. The tabard served both as protection and as a movable canvas for heraldry; it was commonly seen in tournaments and ceremonial processions.

As armor and fashion evolved, the traditional military tabard gradually fell from use. In heraldic and ceremonial contexts it remained a recognized garment, and the term continued to appear in discussions of medieval dress and iconography. The name tabard has associations with the medieval period and heraldry, and its precise origins are tied to Old French, with the English term appearing in the medieval era.

In contemporary English, tabard most often refers to a waist-length or knee-length uniform worn over ordinary clothing, typically sleeveless and with a front opening. Modern tabards are widely used by staff, volunteers, and event workers, and they frequently bear logos, branding, or reflective materials for visibility. They are usually made from cotton or synthetic fabrics and are designed for easy wearing and removal, combining practicality with promotional or organizational branding.