Wide Leather Belt For Suspending Plate Legs

Wide Leather Belt For Suspending Plate Legs

Historical Context And Proper Use In Combat

In the 14th and 15th centuries, with the development of heavy plate armour, a fundamental problem arose: how to keep heavy iron plates on the legs in the right place. The solution was exactly this kind of wide lumbar suspension belt, historically often called a lendenier or a C-belt. The belt is worn over a padded gambeson or arming doublet and fastened tightly around the waist. The weight of the plate or mail legs is transferred to it using lacing cords that are threaded through three reinforced leather rectangles located on the front of the belt. This universal solution allows for the secure attachment of a wide range of historical leg armour. Important warning: The pictured lacing cords with brass aglets are not included and must be purchased separately. The belt is not designed to be worn directly on bare skin; the leather would chafe you under the weight of the armour. Always use a suitable padded base layer.

Technical Parameters Of The Leather Belt

Size Chart (Waist circumference measured over clothing/gambeson)

Leather Equipment Care

To ensure this load-bearing belt serves you for many battle seasons, give it proper care. Regularly treat the smooth outer leather with a high-quality leather balm containing beeswax. This prevents it from drying out and cracking. Clean the inner suede part dry using a special rubber suede brush. If the belt gets wet at an event or you sweat through the lining, let it dry very slowly at room temperature. Never dry leather equipment on a hot radiator or near an open fire! The leather would irreversibly harden and lose its load-bearing strength.

Recommended Accessories

To go with this suspension belt, we highly recommend purchasing a set of sturdy lacing cords with brass aglets for attaching your armour, as well as a high-quality padded gambeson to ensure essential combat comfort under the belt.