Chain mail vs chain shirt

A great topic for medieval enthusiasts!

Chain mail and chain shirts are both forms of armor that were used in medieval times, but they have some key differences:

Chain Mail:

• Also known as chain armor or maille
• Consists of interlocking iron rings, typically made of steel or iron, that are linked together to form a flexible, protective garment
• The rings are usually arranged in a specific pattern, such as a 4-in-1 or 6-in-1 pattern, to provide maximum protection
• Chain mail was often worn as a torso armor, covering the chest, back, and arms
• It was also used as a helmet, gauntlets, and greaves (leg armor)
• Chain mail was highly effective against slashing and piercing attacks, but was vulnerable to blunt trauma and crushing blows
• It was a popular choice among knights and men-at-arms in the 12th to 15th centuries

Chain Shirt:

• Also known as a chainse or chainse shirt
• A type of armor that consists of a series of small, linked metal plates or rings, often made of steel or iron, that are sewn or riveted together to form a shirt-like garment
• The plates or rings are typically smaller and more widely spaced than those used in chain mail, providing less protection but greater flexibility
• Chain shirts were often worn as a lightweight, affordable alternative to chain mail
• They were popular among infantry, archers, and crossbowmen, who needed protection without the bulk and weight of chain mail
• Chain shirts were less effective against slashing and piercing attacks than chain mail, but provided better protection against blunt trauma and crushing blows
• They were used from the 12th to the 16th centuries, with their popularity peaking in the 14th and 15th centuries

In summary:

• Chain mail is a more protective, flexible, and expensive form of armor, often worn by knights and men-at-arms.
• Chain shirts are a less protective, more affordable, and lightweight form of armor, often worn by infantry, archers, and crossbowmen.

Both chain mail and chain shirts were important components of medieval armor, and each had its own advantages and disadvantages.