Armour
- Item out of stock
Armour for the arms – historically also known as arm-guards or arm-plates – protected the fighter’s arm from the wrist to the shoulder and, in the late Middle Ages, was as much a standard part of a full suit of plate armour as the breastplate or helmet. Whether simple forearm guards for beginners, full arm guards with elbow plates, or special historical variants such as the Roman manica – here you will find arm guards for re-enactment, exhibition combat and LARP in various material thicknesses and period styles.
What is armour? Terms and structure
The terms armour, arm-guard, arm-plate and arm-guards are often used interchangeably today, but in a historical context they refer to different things. Arm-guard is the older German technical term for the complete arm-armour of a plate armour set, which protects the upper arm, elbow and forearm. Strictly speaking, ‘arm guards’ refers only to the tubular plates covering the forearm or upper arm, whilst ‘arm armour’ is a modern collective term encompassing all plate-shaped variants of arm protection.
A complete late medieval armguard consists of several components: the upper arm tube (Rerebrace), the elbow plate (Couter) and the forearm guard (Vambrace). These parts are connected to one another in a movable manner using leather straps or rivets, so that the arm retains full freedom of movement. The armour is often supplemented by shoulder plates (pauldrons) and plate gauntlets.
Plate arm guards should be distinguished from chainmail arm guards, which were particularly common in the Early and High Middle Ages, as well as from leather arm guards, which are used in LARP and in certain historical re-enactments. Plate armour gradually replaced chainmail arm protection from the 14th century onwards.
Materials and thicknesses: carbon steel, steel gauge and leather
| Material / Thickness | Suitability | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 20-gauge steel (0.9 mm) | Decoration / Costume | Arm warmers, lightweight display items, costume making |
| 1.2 mm steel | LARP | Forearm guards, light LARP, beginners |
| Carbon steel 1.5–1.6 mm | Reenactment | Armour with elbow plates, display sets |
| Carbon steel 1.8–2 mm | Exhibition fighting | Armour suitable for display combat, training |
| Brass | Historical | Roman manica, reenactment |
| Leather (3–4 mm) | LARP / Fantasy | Leather arm guards, Norse style, flexible protection |
The gauge specification describes the sheet thickness in an Anglo-American system: 16 gauge corresponds to approximately 1.6 mm, 20 gauge to approximately 0.9 mm – the lower the gauge number, the thicker the material. Carbon steel is significantly harder and more durable than standard structural steel, absorbs impact energy better and is therefore particularly suitable for use in stage combat. Polished surfaces are easier to maintain and have a stronger mirror finish; blackened finishes have a more matt appearance and require occasional re-oiling to prevent rust.
The fastening straps are usually made of cowhide leather and are multi-adjustable, allowing them to be adapted to different arm circumferences. On models suitable for stage combat, the strap joints should be double-stitched or riveted.
What do you wear under arm guards? Combining undergarments correctly
Wearing steel plates directly against the skin is problematic for several reasons: without padding, the impact of blows is transmitted unfiltered to bones and muscles, and the metal edges can chafe during movement. Both historically and practically, the gambeson is the most important undergarment. These padded jackets reliably cushion the arm, distribute pressure points and prevent the fastening straps from chafing.
In a full suit of armour from the High and Late Middle Ages, a chainmail shirt was often worn between the gambeson and the plate armour, protecting gaps between the plate sections and providing additional protection against stabs and cuts. Those who wear chainmail sleeves without a full suit of plate armour at least protect the joints in the transition zones.
The undergarments are crucial for the fit of the armour: armour worn over a thick gambeson and chainmail must be correspondingly larger than that worn directly over a thin tunic. Most models in the range are designed for use over a gambeson – if in doubt, it is better to choose a size larger and adjust it with the leather straps.
Historical development of armour from the 13th to the 16th century
Early and High Middle Ages
Arm protection consisted mainly of chain mail or reinforced leather straps. Separate plate armour for the arm was unknown; protection for the forearm was part of the long chainmail tunic (hauberk).
Emergence of plate armour
The first individual plate components appear as additions to the chainmail: simple iron splints on the forearm, riveted onto leather. Elbow discs (couter) emerge as separate protective elements. The transition from chainmail to plate armour takes place gradually.
Complete armour emerges
Upper and lower arm guards are combined, with the elbow area protected by plate constructions. Armour for the arms becomes part of the developing plate armour. The first fully armoured arms appear on funerary figures and in pictorial sources.
Gothic style and pointed elbow plates
The Gothic armour of the 15th century is characterised by elongated, pointed elbow plates. Craftsmanship becomes more sophisticated; greaves are segmented, allowing for greater mobility. Regional differences between German, Italian and French armour-making become more pronounced.
Full-tube armour and the Renaissance
Full-tube armour, featuring continuous tubes, multi-segmented elbows and elaborate shoulder joints, reached its zenith. With the Renaissance and the advent of firearms, heavy plate armour began to decline.
Which armour for which purpose?
Arm cuffs and simple forearm guards made from 0.9–1.2 mm steel (20–18 gauge) are visually appealing and suitable for costume-making, photo shoots and light medieval market appearances. They are not designed to withstand impact. Polished versions look particularly elegant in a costume context.
Arm guards made from 1.2–1.6 mm steel and elbow pads offer significantly more protection and are suitable for light to medium LARP as well as reenactment groups. Carbon steel in 1.5–1.6 mm thickness is also suitable for exhibition groups. Important: Check the fit over a gambeson. Good models are adjustable and cover all standard arm circumferences.
Complete armour sets made from 1.6–2 mm carbon steel with certification for exhibition combat are designed for intensive fencing. Models from the 14th and 15th centuries are historically reconstructed and are worn over a gambeson and chainmail. Combination with matching shoulder plates, plate gauntlets and a breastplate is necessary for full protection.
Overview of types of arm guards
Forearm guards
Simple steel greaves that cover only the forearm. The most affordable entry-level option, easy to put on, and can also be worn on its own without shoulder plates. Ideal as a first piece of armour or as an addition to an existing costume.
Armour with elbow plates
A combination of forearm guards, elbow plates and partial upper arm coverage. Historically typical of High and Late Medieval armour. Offers significantly more protection than forearm guards alone, particularly for the sensitive elbow area.
Complete late medieval armour
Complete arm guard comprising upper and lower arm tubes as well as multi-piece elbow plates. Suitable for exhibition combat, historically reconstructed, suitable for experienced re-enactors. Worn in combination with matching shoulder plates and gloves.
The range also includes special historical variants: the Viking arm guard, made from 2 mm steel, draws on early medieval design principles. The Roman manica, made of steel or brass, reconstructs the segmented arm protection of the legionaries and matches ancient armour. Brigandine arm guards combine riveted metal plates with leather straps and are historically attested in the 14th/15th centuries. There are also separate categories for medieval leather arm guards in the LARP and fantasy segments.
Price overview and buying guide
- Simple forearm guards, 0.9–1.2 mm steel
- Arm guards, polished or blackened
- For costumes, light LARP, medieval markets
- Adjustable via leather straps
- Not recommended for show fighting
- Bracers with elbow plates, 1.5–1.6 mm
- Carbon steel, increased impact resistance
- For re-enactment groups and intermediate LARP
- Gothic variants with pointed elbow plates
- Compatible with gambesons and chainmail
- Full armour set, 1.6–2 mm carbon steel
- Suitable for stage combat, historically reconstructed
- True to 14th and 15th century originals
- For re-enactment groups and active fencing
- Can be complemented to match a full suit of armour
When purchasing, it is worth paying attention to the gauge specification (material thickness), the adjustability of the straps and compatibility with existing armour parts. Anyone wishing to combine arm guards with leg guards, a neck guard and a helmet to form a harmonious set should ensure the period and manufacturer match – proportions and attachment points vary depending on the model range.
On the legal aspect: Civilian individuals may purchase, own and wear armour in Germany, Austria and Switzerland without restriction. Steel armour parts are not covered by the Weapons Act. There is no age restriction or requirement for a licence to purchase them.
Whether you’re looking for your first arm guards for a LARP weekend or 15th-century armour suitable for stage combat for a re-enactment – browse through our range and find the right combination of material, thickness and historical period.
Frequently asked questions
All three terms refer to plate-shaped arm protection, but have different meanings. 'Arm armour' is the historical technical term for the fully armoured arm of a plate armour set. 'Arm guards' refers to the individual tubular sections on the forearm or upper arm. 'Arm guard' and 'armour arm' are more modern collective terms that are often used synonymously today.
Historically and practically, a gambeson (padded protective jacket) is the most important undergarment, as it absorbs impact and prevents the fastening straps from chafing. With full plate armour, a chainmail shirt was often worn as an intermediate layer. Direct skin contact with steel bars is not recommended during active use.
Yes, civilians are permitted to buy, own and wear armour in Germany, Austria and Switzerland without restriction. Steel armour components are not covered by the Weapons Act. There is neither an age restriction nor a requirement for a licence to purchase them.
For active use in stage combat, the material thickness should be at least 1.6 mm carbon steel (16 gauge) – preferably 1.8 to 2 mm. Thinner versions at 0.9–1.2 mm are suitable for decoration, costumes or light LARP, but are not designed for intensive fencing. Many products include the note 'suitable for stage combat' directly in the description.
Simple forearm guards are available from around €25–35. Armour sets with carbon steel elbow plates typically cost between €60 and €170, whilst complete 14th- or 15th-century armour sets suitable for stage combat range from €150 to €260. A complete set of knight’s armour made from plate parts can easily cost €600 or more, depending on the quality.