Chainmail Chausses (Leggings) | 16G Mild Steel, 10mm Butted Rings, Blackened

Chainmail Chausses (Leggings) | 16G Mild Steel, 10mm Butted Rings, Blackened

Your Gateway to the World of Battle

Whether you're heading to a LARP event, a historical fair, a theatre production, or simply building an impressive costume, these chainmail leggings are your ideal choice. They provide essential protection, look fantastic, and their flexibility ensures unrestricted movement. You can march, fight, and run in them. For maximum comfort and function, we recommend wearing them over padded chausses or trousers, which will cushion blows and prevent chafing.

Leg Protection in the Middle Ages

Chainmail chausses were a key component of armour from the early Middle Ages until the 14th century, when they were gradually replaced by plate leg armour. Both knights and foot soldiers relied on them as their primary defence against cuts from swords and axes. They were not standalone trousers; each leg was a separate piece that the warrior would attach to a belt or a specific arming girdle. This design ensured the maximum possible mobility, which was crucial on the battlefield.

Advantages of This Armour

Blackened Finish for Style and Protection

The blackened finish is more than just paint. It is a process that creates a thin layer of black iron oxide (magnetite) on the surface of the steel. This layer significantly slows down the rusting process and gives the leggings an authentic, dark appearance. Your armour will not only be better protected from the elements but will also stand out visually.

Butted Rings: The Perfect Choice for Your Kit

Butted rings are an excellent compromise between price, weight, and functionality. Compared to riveted mail, they are lighter and simpler to produce, which makes them highly affordable. For the purposes of LARP, theatre, and costuming, where there is no risk from sharp blades, their strength is perfectly adequate, making them a smart choice for both new and experienced enthusiasts.

A Glimpse into History

Did you know that one of the best primary sources for studying 11th-century armour is the famous Bayeux Tapestry? This nearly 70-metre-long embroidered cloth depicts the Norman conquest of England and shows, in great detail, William the Conqueror's knights clad in mail hauberks and chausses of a very similar design.

Size Chart

Measure yourself carefully and choose the correct size for a perfect fit and optimal function.

Important Note: Customise Your Fit

Please be aware that the mail section covering the foot requires individual adjustment. To ensure it fits perfectly over your footwear, you will likely need to cinch it with a leather thong or remove a few rows of rings to achieve the ideal shape and tension. This final tailoring is common and ensures your armour fits you like a second skin.

Caring for Your Armour

Despite the blackened finish, the core material is steel. Wipe the armour dry after every use to remove sweat and moisture. Occasionally, give it a light spray with a maintenance oil (e.g., WD-40) and wipe off the excess. Store it in a dry place and avoid unnecessary exposure to rain and humidity.