Chain mail and chain mail shirts
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Delivery time: 2 - 3 working days* (US - int. shipments may differ)
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Delivery time: 2 - 3 working days* (US - int. shipments may differ)
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Delivery time: 7 - 8 working days* (US - int. shipments may differ)
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Delivery time: 2 - 3 working days* (US - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
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Delivery time: 2 - 3 working days* (US - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
- Available
- Available
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Delivery time: 2 - 3 working days* (US - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
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Delivery time: 2 - 3 working days* (US - int. shipments may differ)
Chainmail is one of the oldest and best-known forms of protective armour from the Middle Ages – and to this day, the appeal of this armour, crafted from thousands of interlocking rings, remains undiminished. Whether for re-enactment, exhibition combat or LARP: here you’ll find chainmail coifs, hauberks and haubergeons, chainmail arm guards and accessories – from basic starter kits to complete sets suitable for exhibition combat.
What is chainmail – and how does it work?
The basic principle of chainmail is as simple as it is ingenious: metal rings are interlocked to form a flexible, flat protective layer. Stability, weight and protective effect vary considerably depending on the type of riveting and ring diameter. Historically, chainmail was known by various names – chain armour, ring armour or chain mail are general terms, whilst hauberk, haubergeon and brünne describe specific garments.
The protective effect of chain mail is impressive against slashing and cutting weapons – swords, axes and knives were effectively deflected or their force reduced. Against piercing weapons and blunt force (e.g. maces), however, protection was limited. For this reason, medieval fighters almost always combined their chainmail with a padded gambeson as an underlay, which cushioned blows and prevented abrasions.
The history of chain mail goes back a long way: the earliest evidence comes from Celtic and Roman archaeological finds (Lorica Hamata). Its real heyday was the Early and High Middle Ages (9th–13th centuries), when chain mail was the preferred armour of European warriors, before it was supplemented by increasingly elaborate plate armour and eventually superseded by it.
Chainmail in the Middle Ages: From the chainmail coif to the hauberk
Chainmail helmets & collars
The chainmail coif protected the head, neck and cheeks. In combination with a helmet, it was indispensable. The chainmail collar (aventail or brünne) provided additional protection for the neck and connected the coif to the torso armour. Our chainmail coifs are available in 16-gauge structural steel from approx. €28 – ranging from polished to black with a brass rim.
Hauberk & Haubergeon
The hauberk is the long chainmail tunic – often reaching down to the knees, with long sleeves, typical of the 11th–13th centuries. The haubergeon is the shorter version with a half- to short-sleeved cut, lighter and more flexible. Both existed side by side and were chosen depending on rank and role. In the shop you will find haubergeons made from 8 mm flat rings, riveted, from approx. €193.
Additional parts
Chainmail sleeves, chainmail leggings, chainmail gloves and chainmail skirts completed a full set of chainmail armour. In the 13th century, many knights wore a combination of all these parts under or over a tabard. Individual pieces are also excellent for covering up weak spots in existing armour.
Buying chainmail: What to look out for when purchasing
| Feature | Detail | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Ring diameter | 8 mm (tight) vs. larger rings | Historically, narrower rings = denser protective surface, heavier |
| Wire thickness (gauge) | 16 gauge = approx. 1.6 mm wire | Higher gauge = thinner wire, lighter, less robust |
| Structural steel | Cheap, more prone to rust | LARP Good for beginners and costumes |
| Carbon steel | Harder, more durable | Reenactment Recommended for stage combat and battle reenactments |
| Aluminium | Stainless, very lightweight | LARP Ideal for performers and lightweight LARP |
| Brass | Decorative, gold-coloured | For decorative fittings and mixed hoods |
| Riveting | Fully riveted vs. unriveted | Stage combat Riveting significantly increases stability |
| Fit | Shoulder width, back length, sleeves | Chainmail is chosen according to body measurements – sizes S to XL |
Prices in the shop range from €21 (chained sabatons) to €264.70 for a fully riveted haubergeon in XL. For DIY projects or repairs, you’ll find loose rings in various steels – galvanised, burnished or polished – as well as suitable tools under Chainmail Rings and Accessories.
Which chainmail for which use?
For costumes, theatre, photo shoots or as an armour element for your first visit to a medieval market, chainmail coifs made from 16-gauge structural steel (from approx. €28) or aluminium parts are ideal. Unriveted rings are perfectly adequate for this level of stress. Sabatons made from galvanised chain mail (€21) are an affordable way to get started with foot protection.
For LARP events and light stage combat scenarios, steel is recommended – either unriveted or with simple riveting. A chainmail coif made of round steel with 8 mm rings (approx. €101) offers good protection at a reasonable weight. Important: A padded gambeson should be worn under every chainmail – it prevents chafing and absorbs blows.
For serious exhibition combat and re-enactment, there is no substitute for a fully riveted haubergeon. The FRM chainmail (flat rings, riveted/stamped, 8 mm carbon steel rings) is suitable for exhibition combat and significantly more durable than non-riveted versions. Available in sizes M to XL from €193 to €264.70. Complete the look with a chainmail coif, chainmail sleeves and a matching helmet for full protection.
Riveted or unriveted – the crucial difference
- Rings simply interlocked, no riveting
- Lighter and cheaper to manufacture
- Rings can bend under pressure
- Suitable for LARP, theatre and costume
- Aluminium versions: rust-free, very light, visually appealing
- Each ring is individually riveted or punched – a huge amount of extra work
- Significantly higher stability and tear resistance
- Suitable for stage combat and buhur
- Carbon steel: harder and more durable than structural steel
- 16 gauge = approx. 1.6 mm wire thickness, 8 mm ring diameter typical for combat gear
The abbreviation FRM stands for flat ring with riveting – a construction in which flattened rings are additionally punched and riveted. The result is a particularly dense and sturdy mesh surface, which closely resembles historical models from the High Middle Ages. The higher manufacturing costs explain the price difference, which in some cases is more than three times that of non-riveted variants.
Care and storage of chainmail
Steel rusts – this is inevitable, but easily managed. Prevention is key: after every use or contact with moisture, apply a thin layer of camellia oil or spray oil (e.g. Ballistol) to the chainmail. Oiled metal forms a protective layer against moisture and oxidation. Once rust has set in, it can be removed with polish – but this is time-consuming and should be avoided.
Aluminium does not rust and is therefore easy to maintain – a clear advantage for LARP players who use their equipment in all weathers. Thanks to its surface treatment, burnished steel is significantly better protected against rust than bare steel, but should also be oiled regularly. Do not treat burnished surfaces with aggressive cleaning agents, as this will damage the protective layer.
Chainmail should not be stored permanently folded – under its own weight, the rings can become deformed or snagged. A jute sack or cotton bag is ideal, as it keeps the chainmail loose whilst allowing air to circulate. Avoid plastic bags or airtight containers, as any residual moisture trapped inside will accelerate the rusting process. If possible, hang the chainmail on a clothes rack.
Individual rings may open or break over time – this is normal for older or heavily used chain mail. With spare rings and a pair of round-nose pliers, you can easily repair damaged areas yourself. The shop stocks rings in various types of steel (galvanised, burnished, bright) as well as the appropriate tools. Ensure you use rings with the same diameter and wire thickness so that the repair is not noticeable.
Whether you’re looking for a single chainmail coif for your first LARP adventure or a stage-combat-ready haubergeon for the Buhurt – browse through the subcategories and find the right chainmail gear for your needs.
Frequently asked questions
A padded gambeson was almost always worn under the chainmail. This padded or quilted tunic served a dual purpose: it cushioned blows and impacts transmitted through the chain mail, whilst also preventing chafing and pressure marks that would have resulted from wearing it directly against the skin. Without a gambeson, chainmail is neither comfortable nor fully protective.
The hauberk is a long chainmail tunic that typically reaches down to the knees or thighs and features long sleeves – it was the standard armour of heavy knights from the 11th to the 13th century. The haubergeon is the shorter version with a half- to short-sleeved cut; it is lighter and more flexible. Both are fully-fledged chainmail tunics, but differ in length, weight and intended use.
Chainmail provides very effective protection against slashing and cutting weapons such as swords, axes and knives – the rings distribute the force over a large area and prevent the blade from penetrating. Protection against piercing weapons (e.g. arrows, daggers with narrow blades) and blunt force (maces, war hammers) is limited. This is why medieval fighters combined chainmail with a gambeson and, increasingly, with plate elements.
A chainmail shirt was an extraordinarily valuable commodity in the Middle Ages. The production of a complete hauberk required thousands of rings, each of which was forged and riveted by hand – this amounted to weeks or months of craftsmanship. The value of a chainmail shirt was comparable to that of several horses or a year’s wages for a simple craftsman. Only well-off warriors, knights or the nobility could afford a full suit of chainmail.
In a riveted chainmail, each individual ring is additionally riveted or punched after being hooked into the mesh. This manufacturing step prevents the rings from opening under force and makes the chainmail significantly more durable – particularly in stage combat and buhurt. The enormous additional effort involved in production explains the price difference: whilst unriveted chainmail is available for LARP and costume purposes from around €55, fully riveted Haubergeons suitable for stage combat start at around €193.