A tabard is a type of short coat that was often worn by men in Europe during the late Middle Ages and early modern period. The jacket was generally worn outdoors and was sleeveless or had short sleeves or shoulder pads. In its more developed form, it was open at the sides and could be worn with or without a belt. Although most were common clothing, often workwear, tabards could be decorated with a coat of arms (livery) on the front and back, and in this form they survive as the signature garment of officers in arms.