Hauberk and Haubergeon
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Hauberks and haubergeons are the long and mid-length chainmail tunics of the European Middle Ages – items of armour that formed the core of body protection from the Early to the Late Middle Ages. In this category, you’ll find over 200 models in various materials, ring construction styles and price ranges – from entry-level models for your first medieval market to fully riveted flat-ring historical replicas for serious re-enactment.
Hauberk and Haubergeon: What is the difference?
The terms are often used interchangeably in the trade, but historically refer to two different forms of chainmail. The hauberk is the longer, more complete version, the haubergeon the shorter – both have their place depending on the era, portrayal and personal purpose.
- Length to the knee or beyond
- Long sleeves, often reaching the wrist
- Full protection for upper and lower body
- Typical for mounted warriors from the 10th century onwards
- Heavier, requiring more material
- Combination with chainmail trousers or leggings less often required
- Length to the hips or thighs
- Short or half-length sleeves
- Greater freedom of movement, lighter
- Often worn in combination with chainmail leggings
- Suitable for foot soldiers and lightly armed fighters
- A more beginner-friendly weight for LARP and first-time reenactments
Historical context: From the Early Middle Ages to the Late Middle Ages
Chain mail, made from individual linked metal rings, is one of the oldest forms of armour in Europe. It enjoyed its heyday in the High Middle Ages – but it also played a decisive role on the battlefield both before and after that period.
Celts and Romans
Chainmail made from iron wire was already in use among Celtic warriors and in the Roman army. Early forms were still unriveted and consisted of rings simply linked together. The term ‘hauberk’ itself originates from Old French and appears in sources from the early Middle Ages.
Early Middle Ages
The chainmail developed into the central protective equipment of Northern European warriors. Vikings and Frankish fighters wore short chainmail – comparable to the haubergeon – made of riveted round rings. Those who could afford a full hauberk belonged to the upper warrior class. For a Viking portrayal, a haubergeon is historically well-documented.
High Middle Ages – The heyday of the hauberk
The knee-length, long-sleeved hauberk became the standard armour for mounted knights and heavy infantry. Full suits of chainmail – consisting of a hauberk, chainmail coif, chainmail gloves and chainmail leggings – provided almost complete protection for the body. The Crusades had a significant influence on this era.
Late Middle Ages – Combination with plate armour
With the development of plate armour, the chainmail tunic loses its importance as the sole form of armour. However, it remains an indispensable component: worn as underarmour beneath breastplates and arm guards, it fills gaps and protects joints. Haubergeons and short chainmail tunics remain common among foot soldiers.
Ring diameter and wire thickness: what do the measurements mean?
The technical specifications for chainmail may seem confusing at first – yet they follow a clear logic. The inner diameter (ID) indicates the size of the opening in each individual ring. The wire thickness describes how thick the wire is from which the rings were made. Together, these two values determine the appearance, weight and protective effect of the finished chainmail.
Inner diameter 6 mm: A fine-meshed, historically very authentic design. The rings are close together, giving the coat a finer and more closed appearance. Significantly heavier and more labour-intensive to produce – correspondingly expensive, but visually particularly convincing for high-quality re-enactment.
Inner diameter 8 mm: The classic. Historical chainmail from the High Middle Ages was predominantly in the 8–10 mm ID range. Good balance between protective effect, weight and mobility. This diameter dominates the range – from the affordable entry-level version to the fully riveted flat-ring replica.
Inner diameter 9 mm: Slightly coarser mesh, making it lighter. A good choice for LARP and re-enactments where comfort is more important than maximum density. Also advantageous for larger body sizes, as the coat offers greater flexibility.
Regarding wire thickness: Thinner wire (1.0–1.2 mm) results in finer, lighter rings – typical of historically accurate flat-ring variants. Thicker wire (1.5–1.8 mm) makes the rings more robust and heavier. For LARP use involving frequent mock combat, a wire thickness of at least 1.5 mm is recommended. Thinner variants are also suitable for re-enactments without physical contact.
Price ranges at a glance: From entry-level options to historical replicas
Unriveted round rings made of burnished steel, spring steel or galvanised steel, Ø 8–9 mm. Well suited for LARP, theatre performances and first appearances at medieval markets. Lighter than riveted versions, easy to maintain. The ring construction is less stable under heavy load than riveted models – but perfectly adequate for gentler performances. Haubergeon variants start from under €90.
Riveted round rings or flat rings with round rivets, Ø 8–9 mm, made of steel, galvanised steel or aluminium. The riveted joints make the shirt significantly more stable and historically plausible. Aluminium versions (from Lord of Battles and Battle Merchant) are popular for their lightness – ideal for prolonged wear at markets. Steel offers better protection and a more authentic weight.
Fully riveted flat rings with wedge or round rivets, some Ø 6 mm, wire thickness 1.0–1.8 mm. Highest quality craftsmanship: each ring riveted individually, closest in structure to historical originals. Manufacturers such as Lord of Battles and Battle Merchant offer handmade models in this category in various types of steel – from carbon steel to spring steel. The most expensive model in the range costs over €1,300.
Ring construction and material: Unriveted, round ring, flat ring
| Ring type | Suitability | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Unriveted round rings | LARP / Beginners | Blued steel, spring steel, galvanised steel |
| Riveted round rings | Reenactment | Steel, aluminium, galvanised steel |
| Flat rings with round rivets | Historically authentic | Steel, carbon steel |
| Flat rings with wedge rivets | Highest level of authenticity | Steel, spring steel, carbon steel |
| Mixed flat/stamped rings | Historically authentic | Steel, carbon steel |
| Aluminium | LARP / Re-enactment | Aluminium (rustproof, very light) |
| Titanium | Stage combat / Professional | Titanium (extremely light, very robust) |
The most important difference in practice: Unriveted rings can pop open under heavy tensile stress – this isn’t a problem for LARP without intense sword fighting, but it’s not ideal for exhibition combat. Riveted rings hold together even under heavy stress and are the historically documented construction method for chainmail from the High Middle Ages onwards.
Finding the right chainmail for your setup
A chainmail shirt rarely works on its own. For full protection and a cohesive overall look, you need the right accompanying pieces – and a solid foundation underneath.
The gambeson as essential underlay: A gambeson or armour tunic should be worn under every chainmail. It cushions blows, protects the skin from direct contact with the metal and significantly improves the fit of the chainmail. Without a gambeson, chainmail is uncomfortable to wear even during a low-key performance.
Additional chainmail pieces for complete protection: For a complete High Medieval chainmail armour set, chainmail coifs, chainmail sleeves, chainmail gloves and chainmail collars are added. Chainmail skirts provide additional protection for the lower body – particularly useful when combined with a haubergeon.
Helmets and breastplates as additions: Those looking to expand their setup will find suitable helmets for various periods in the shop, as well as breastplates and armour to combine with late medieval-style chainmail.
On sizing: Most models are available in sizes S to XXL, with some designs also available in plus sizes. Sizing is based on chest circumference – you’ll find size charts on the respective product pages. If in doubt, it’s best to choose a size larger: the chainmail is worn over the gambeson and requires sufficient room.
Care and storage of chainmail
Steel chainmail tends to oxidise when exposed to moisture and sweat. Immediately after each use, the shirt should be dried thoroughly and then lightly oiled with weapon oil or a neutral metal care oil. Move the shirt evenly whilst doing so to ensure the oil reaches between all the rings. Never store the shirt whilst damp – this is the most common cause of widespread rust formation.
For unriveted rings, coarse deposits and surface rust can be removed by placing the chainmail in damp sand and then rolling it around – a simple and tried-and-tested method. Sawdust works just as well. Riveted chainmail must be cleaned more carefully: use a soft brush and a dry cloth, then oil immediately afterwards. Never put it in the washing machine – this bends the rings and damages the rivets.
Chainmail should be stored rolled up or on a stand – never folded, as this will eventually bend individual rings. Avoid direct contact with damp surfaces. When storing at markets, a breathable fabric bag is recommended. Aluminium and galvanised steel require significantly less maintenance, but they too benefit from occasional care and a dry storage location.
A sturdy fabric bag or a small padded wooden box is recommended for transport. Transport the shirt rolled up – this way, fewer rings come into contact with surfaces that cause friction. If possible, put the shirt on only once you arrive at the venue, as it is more compact and easier to handle when rolled up. Heavy hauberk models can weigh 8–12 kg or more – take this into account when packing.
Whether you’re looking for a starter model for your first medieval market or a fully riveted flat-ring hauberk for historically accurate re-enactment – in this category you’ll find the right chainmail for your project. Browse the selection and choose based on material, ring construction and budget – or simply give us a call if you’re unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
A hauberk is a knee-length, long-sleeved chainmail tunic that protects the body from the neck down to the knees. A haubergeon is the shorter, often half-sleeved version, which offers greater freedom of movement and was frequently worn in combination with chainmail leggings. Historically, the two terms were not always used with strict distinction – in today’s trade, ‘haubergeon’ generally refers to the shorter model.
Historical chainmail from the High and Late Middle Ages predominantly had an inner diameter of 8–10 mm. Models with a 6 mm ring diameter are finer-meshed and closer to certain historical finds – but also heavier and more expensive. For an authentic re-enactment without the highest standards, 8 mm ID is a good choice, which is also the most common in the modern range.
Yes – a gambeson or armour tunic worn under the chainmail is strongly recommended. It protects the skin from direct contact with the metal (chafing, indentations), cushions blows and improves the fit of the chainmail. Without a gambeson, a chainmail is uncomfortable to wear over time, even during static displays. Historically, the gambeson was always part of the armour.
After each use, dry the chainmail thoroughly and then apply a thin layer of weapon oil or neutral metal care oil. Move the mail around whilst doing so to ensure the oil reaches between all the rings. Never store it whilst damp. Superficial rust on non-riveted models can be removed by placing the mail in damp sand or sawdust and rolling it around. Aluminium and galvanised steel require significantly less maintenance.
For LARP and first-time performances, unriveted models made of burnished steel or galvanised steel with a diameter of 8–9 mm are well suited – lighter, cheaper and sufficiently sturdy for gentler use. For re-enactment, riveted models are recommended, as they are historically more authentic and hold together even under heavier strain. For exhibition combat, the rule is: at least riveted round rings, or better still flat rings with wedge or round rivets.