Chainmail

Chainmail Armor

Chainmail, historically referred to as maille, is a chain of thousands of interlocking metal rings, forming a mesh of armor. We know, that chain mails has been used at least since the 4th century BCE, and in used as the main piece of armor for european soldiers, for over a thousand years. The most known or common item has always been the chain hauberk, a long-sleeved tunic-style chainmail, intended to counter cutting and stabbing alike. Today, the chain mail finds use in both recreational historic and immersive hobbies, such as Larp. Ren Faires and Reenactment, as well as in modern industrial use, as shark-resistant diving suits and cut-resistant butchers gloves.

The Epic Armoury Chain Mail Collection

Our collection is created to provide modularprotection across various historical and fantasy archetypes, ranging from full-body coverage to specialized limb defense:

Hauberks: are knee-length, long-sleeved shirt of chainmail armor, often comprising tens of thousands of interlocking, riveted steel rings.
Haubergeons: Mid-hip length versions of the hauberk, featuring short or no sleeves.
Bishop Mantles: Protective collars for the neck and shoulders.
Chain Shirts: Waist-length maille optimized for high-mobility roles.
Half-Body Suits: Targeted torso protection for specialized kits.
Skirts: Independent lower-body protection for the hips and legs.
Hoods (Coifs): Flexible head protection typically worn beneath a helmet.

To improve accessibility, our range includes traditional pull-over designs as well as jacket-style variants featuring front-fastening leather straps. These strapped versions allow the user to don and doff heavy maille independently, providing a practical "jacket experience" without the need for a squire.

Chainmail Construction: Riveted, Butted, and the 4-in-1 Weave

The strength of a chainmail is determined by three factors, the type of steel used for the rings, how the individual rings are closed and what type of chain weave is chosen for the maille. At Epic Armoury, we utilize the European 4-in-1 weave as the standard for both our riveted and butted lines.

This historically prevalent pattern links each individual ring into four others, providing an optimal balance of flexibility and defensive density. Because the weave allows the armor to expand and contract with the wearer's movements, it remains the industry standard for functional armor.

Riveted Chainmail: The benchmark for functional combat, each ring is overlapped and secured with a metal pin. This "hybrid" construction of solid and riveted rings reduces overall weight while maintaining maximum structural integrity for full-contact use. It is highly resistant to "shedding" rings during combat.
Butted Chainmail: These rings are bent into a circle until the ends meet. While more affordable and easier to repair, the links can pull open under high tension. This is best suited for theater, costume use, or light-contact LARP.

Typical Chainmail Weight and Sizing

We are often asked how much a chain mail actually weighs, and of course, as with most metal items, it depends on the size chosen. Though typically a standard steel hauberk weighs between 10 kg and 15 kg (22–33 lbs). Have in mind that other that size it is dependent on wire gauge, ring diameter, and material (steel vs. aluminum).

To manage this load effectively and increase endurance, users should prioritize:

Weight Distribution: Always wear a heavy-duty leather belt over the maille. This shifts the weight from the shoulders to the hips, increasing mobility.
The Layering System: Maille should never be worn directly over a shirt. A padded gambeson is required to prevent "ring-pinch" and to provide the blunt-force trauma protection that metal rings lack.

Chainmail Materials and Steel Finishes

Our chainmails, and most of our competitors too, are created in mild steel. A lighter and more flexible form of steel. Mild steel will still absorb impact and even handle some cuts and slashes, but offer a more lightweight and comfortable experience, all the while keeping the historically authentic looks and feeling.

We offer three distinct finishes for our mild steel maille:

Polished Steel: Provides a natural, bright steel look; requires consistent maintenance.
Epic Black: A durable, blackened coating that significantly minimizes surface maintenance.

Maintenance: Preventing Your Chainmail from Rusting

As mild steel contains a lower carbon content than other forms of steel it is at higher risk of oxidation and rust, and requires active maintenance and proper storage.

Cleaning: After use, wipe down the rings with a dry cloth to remove sweat, salt, and environmental moisture.
Lanolin-Based Protection: We recommend using a lanolin-based oil for long-term rust prevention. Lanolin creates a natural, long-lasting barrier against humidity and is far more effective for the intricate surface area of maille rings than standard sprays.
The Tumble Method: If light rust appears, many users place the maille in a bucket with sand and tumble it to "scour" the rings clean. This traditional method is physically demanding but very effective; it must be followed immediately by a thorough application of oil.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does chainmail protect against arrows? Maille stops slashing edges but has limited efficacy against narrow, high-velocity points like bodkin arrows or stiletto daggers.
How do I measure for fit? Always measure your chest circumference while wearing your gambeson. If between sizes, size up to ensure the maille does not restrict your breathing.
How should I store it? Store in a dry, ventilated area, ideally in a sealed container with a moisture absorber after the armor has been cleaned and oiled with a lanolin-based lubricant.