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Date Published: 2015-05-02

Putting Together the Perfect Suit of Armor


By Adelia Ladson

If you really want to look impressive and authentic when participating in a Medieval cosplay event, than you should consider putting together the right collection of armor to wear. The right costuming not only looks great but really gets you into your character's world. I mean if you're going to commit, then COMMIT!

Grim Reaper Pocket Folder Knights wore chainmail armor as protection.
Grim Reaper Pocket Folder Knights wore chainmail armor as protection.
First, you need a sturdy base to work with and that, as any knight knows, is a good Chainmail Tunic. My preference is a tunic with a design built into it but basic black is just fine, too. Once you pull on a tunic of 18-guage steel and feel the sheer weight of it, you can't help but understand where a knight's strength comes from.

An important part of a knight's basic armor is the ultimate protection of his head. For with no head, you're body's not much use to you. Start with a Chainmail Headpiece and you can't go wrong. It will come down past your helmet and meet the top of your tunic so your neck is doubly protected.

Chain Mail This is a chainmail tunic worn with a chainmail headpiece.
Chain Mail This is a chainmail tunic worn with a chainmail headpiece.
Continuing with your base, you have to protect your legs because an adversary will be looking to cut them out from under you in battle. What you need are Chainmail Leggings to cover them with. Chausses as they are also called, are some of the earliest forms of leg armor. And you can't forget protecting your hands either with a good pair of Steel Gauntlets. Whether they are scaled or riveted for a decorative look, what is important is that they fit securely and are fully jointed for ease of movement. You can also opt for the Chainmail Gloves lined in leather.

Helmet A helmet is an impressive item to round out your costume.
Helemt A helmet is an impressive item to round out your costume.
The Helmet is the last item to consider as part of your attire. A highly polished carbon steel helmet that is beautifully detailed will definitely get you noticed and one that allows airflow in the heat of battle or at an event is very important.

By choosing to wear armor of chainmail instead of your solid suits of steel, gives you freedom of mobility that you can't get in a tin can. Chainmail is a much more practical and a less stifling option, especially for cosplay events that occur during warm months. You can also layer a surcoat, emblazoned with your coat of arms, over it to complete your look.

Now that you are completely suited up, don't forget a knight's most important accessory is his Sword. There are so many options you can choose from and it can be as decorative as you want it, or, if you prefer, simple and sleek. You also have a choice of construction material from stainless steel to Damascus steel or whether you want your blade to be a functional or display only edge.

Any of the above pieces of armor that you purchase and have shipped to you has been pre-oiled for its protection during storage and shipping. Just take it out, use a lacquer thinner on a cotton cloth to wipe it down with and let it air dry. Then, you will be ready to go. Make sure you read your armor pieces' instruction tags to learn how to take care of them and keep them in tip top shape.


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