Padded Chausses Leg Armour Padding for Reenactment

Padded Chausses Leg Armour Padding for Reenactment

What Do These Chausses Offer You?

• Maximum Comfort Under Armour: The primary job of these chausses is to absorb the shock from impacts your metal armour takes. The padding effectively protects your legs from bruises and chafing caused by mail rings or plate edges.
• Quality and Durable Construction: The chausses are made from sturdy cotton fabric (outer layer) that can withstand wear and tear. As you can see in the photo, they are vertically quilted, ensuring the polyester padding stays in place and provides consistent protection from thigh to ankle.
• Practical Attachment and Adjustment: At the top, you'll find durable leather loops allowing you to easily attach the chausses to your belt (whether a standard one or a specific padded belt). Thanks to the lacing with a leather cord at the back of the calf, you can perfectly adjust the chausses to the shape and size of your leg.
• Thoughtful Design: The length of approx. 83 cm (32.7 inches) at the front and 67 cm (26.4 inches) at the back ensures good leg coverage. The weight of a pair is approximately 1440 g (3.17 lbs). They are available in black (as pictured) and natural colours.

This is no flimsy substitute! These are properly padded chausses made from robust canvas, offering real protection and comfort unlike cheap synthetic alternatives. They are an essential piece of kit for anyone wearing mail or plate leg armour who wants to feel better and fight more effectively.

Historical Use:

Padded chausses were an essential part of the armour for knights and men-at-arms wearing mail or plate leg protection, particularly from the High Middle Ages onwards. They were worn underneath metal leg defences (mail chausses or plate components like cuisses - thigh plates, poleyns - knee cops, and greaves - shin guards). Their main function was to absorb impact, prevent skin abrasion from metal, and generally increase the comfort and protection of the legs. They were attached either to a belt or directly to the arming doublet.

Modern Use:

Today, these padded chausses are indispensable for:

• Historical Fencing and Re-enactment: As a necessary underlayer beneath mail or plate chausses for comfort and shock absorption.
• LARP: For characters in heavier armour requiring leg protection.
• Theatre and Film: To achieve an authentic look and functionality for historical costumes.

Interesting Historical Tidbit:

The development of leg armour went hand-in-hand with the evolution of weapons and tactics. While early medieval warriors often only protected their shins (if at all), the increasing importance of cavalry and more advanced weaponry made leg protection more complex, and padded undergarments were crucial for making it functional and wearable.

Product Care:

• Cleaning: Spot cleaning with a damp cloth is recommended. Due to the polyester padding and cotton cover, machine washing is not advised (it could cause deformation). If more thorough cleaning is necessary, try hand washing in cold water with a mild detergent, do not wring.
• Drying: Dry flat, preferably laid out, away from direct heat sources.
• Leather Loops: You can occasionally treat them with a leather conditioner.

Put an end to bruises and discomfort! Invest in quality padded chausses that will protect your legs and make wearing your armour more pleasant. Order them and feel the difference for yourself!

A high-quality product made by Lord Of Battles®