Chainmail Armor
Medieval chainmail armor for Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) events, Renaissance fairs, and any other functions is available here.
Our chain mail is battle-ready and a necessity for all knights. Get yourself a full suit of chainmail armour or even just a chain mail shirt and you’ll increase your level of protection by a wide margin!. We have the essentials to cover all parts: chainmail coifs, chainmail hauberks, chainmail mantles, and chainmail chausses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Chainmail Armor?
The chainmail armor, chainmail, or mail is made of metal rings linked together by welding or riveting to form a mesh. It is designed for flexibility and maneuverability in battles and tournaments.
Why is it called chainmail?
- Chain for the interlinked metal rings, and
- Mail or maille, the French word for mesh or netting
A hood (coif), shirt (hauberk or haubergeon), trousers (chausses), and mittens (mitons) can be covered in chainmail and forms the armor suit. Warriors also wore something padded or quilted underneath the hauberk called a gambeson.
The Celts were said to have invented the chainmail armor, whose popularity spread in Europe and Asia. In Medieval and Renaissance Europe, knights and foot soldiers wore the chain until the 14th century, when the plate armor started to gain popularity. Some continued to wear the mail underneath their metal-plate armor.
How Effective Is Chainmail Armor?
Medieval chainmail protected its wearer against slashing, thrusting, or piercing weapons. As with any protective gear, the armor’s material and construction contributed to its effectiveness in combat.
Today’s chainmail is used for practical and recreational purposes. We offer a variety of styles: flatten, butted, and riveted mail. Like in the olden times, our chainmail armor provides complete protection:
- Our chainmail coif provides head, neck, and shoulder protection.
- Our chainmail hauberks protect the upper body and arms.
- Our chainmail chausses offer protection for the thighs, knees, and lower legs.
- Our chainmail gauntlets protect the hands.
Is Chainmail Heavy Armor?
Its weight can be 12 to 15 kilograms, depending on the coverage of the interlocking rings. The metal used and its method of assembly also contribute to the weight.
One can adjust the shirt’s length or its sleeves, as in the case of a hauberk, for more even weight distribution.
Medieval chain mail armour was originally made of iron, steel, and bronze. Our modern chain mail comes in carbon steel, mild steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and blackened steel.
How Much Does Chainmail Cost?
In medieval England, the mail cost 100 shillings per a surviving price list. Making chainmail armor from scratch is labor-intensive and time-consuming. The tools and materials, particularly the metal used, add to the total cost. One must also possess the necessary skills for the job.
Worry not, as you can obtain quality chainmail armor online for reasonable prices at Medieval Collectibles. Our medieval chainmail inventory covers hauberks, coifs, gauntlets, chausses, voiders, skirts, and more. You can buy an article individually to save money and build your suit of armor over time.
Shop our chainmail products for roleplaying events, reenactments, and more.
