Chainmail

Chainmail: Timeless Armor for History Enthusiasts

Chainmail has been one of the most widely used armor types since the Middle Ages. Known for its durability and iconic appearance, it remains a cornerstone of medieval reenactment, LARP, and show combat today. At Zeughaus, you’ll find an extensive collection of chainmail armor, including hoods and hauberks, crafted with precision to suit various needs.

The Symbolism and Craft of Chainmail Armor

Few pieces of equipment are as emblematic of medieval knights as chainmail armor. Often referred to as ring armor by historians, it traces its roots back to at least the fourth century BC. Composed of tens of thousands of interlocking steel rings, this type of armor was both a testament to craftsmanship and a status symbol, affordable only for the elite.

A complete suit of chainmail included multiple components: shirts, hoods, and leggings. Additional elements like chain collars, skirts, and mittens offered further protection and versatility.

Chainmail Hoods and Chainmail Hauberks: Essential Elements of Armor

To protect against cuts, knights commonly paired hauberks with chainmail hoods and gambesons. While the hoods shielded the head and neck, gambesons provided padded protection beneath the armor, mitigating the force of blows and ensuring greater comfort.

Your Chainmail Armor, Your Way – Only at Zeughaus

Zeughaus offers a wide range of chainmail armor components based on historical designs, including:

• Short chainmail / haubergeons
• Long chainmail / hauberks
• Chain arms / voiders
• Chainmail hoods / coiffes
• Chain leggings / chausses

Our pieces vary in cut and craftsmanship, reflecting their historical counterparts. Whether you’re looking for hoods or full suits of armor, Zeughaus has something for every enthusiast.

The Craft of Chainmail: Rings That Make the Armor

Our chainmail armor is available in two traditional styles:

• Flat rings: Known for their stately appearance and historical use during Roman times.
• Round rings: Common in medieval armor, crafted from round metal wire.

Both flat and round rings can be riveted or unriveted. Riveted options offer superior durability and historical authenticity, while unriveted variants are a more affordable option for beginners. For those seeking resilience and long-term use, riveted hoods and hauberks provide exceptional quality and authenticity.

Materials Matter: Choose the Right Chainmail for You

In the Middle Ages, chainmail was predominantly crafted from steel. Modern advancements, however, allow for a wider range of materials, each with unique properties:

• Steel: Traditional and robust but requires maintenance to prevent rust.
• Stainless steel: Rust-resistant and low maintenance.
• Aluminum: Lightweight and ideal for LARP or costuming.
• Titanium: Premium, durable, and lightweight – perfect for intensive use.

Zeughaus also offers treated steel options, such as burnished or galvanized finishes, for added rust resistance and ease of care.

Chainmail Armor: Combining History and Modernity 

Whether you’re a reenactor, LARP enthusiast, or filmmaker, Zeughaus has the perfect chainmail armor to meet your needs. From authentic, weighty reproductions to lightweight, modern alternatives, our collection ensures quality, durability, and style.

Invest in a knightly companion that combines time-honored craftsmanship with contemporary materials. Explore our selection of chainmail hoods, hauberks, and more, and find the armor that suits your character and purpose.

Let Zeughaus equip you for your next adventure with chainmail armor that embodies the spirit of medieval knighthood.