Chain leg warmers
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Chainmail leggings – known as ‘chausses’ in the Middle Ages – were part of the standard equipment of armed combatants from the 11th to the 15th century. As leg protection made of chainmail, they filled the vulnerable gap between the gambeson and the helmet, completing the chainmail armour set downwards. Anyone wishing to assemble historically accurate armour today, or to kit themselves out for LARP and re-enactment, will find here the necessary background knowledge to select the right model.
What are chainmail leggings? – History and function of chausses
The term ‘chausses’ originates from Old French and refers to close-fitting legwear. In the context of armour, it refers to chainmail leggings that cover the legs from the thigh to the foot. Early depictions from the 11th century – such as the Bayeux Tapestry – show Norman warriors already wearing full chainmail leggings pulled over cloth leggings.
In the High Middle Ages (11th–13th centuries), chausses were an integral part of full chainmail armour: together with the hauberk and haubergeon, a chainmail coif and a padded gambeson, they formed a complete protective system. Full chausses are particularly well documented in iconography and written sources for Crusaders and knights of the 13th century.
In the Late Middle Ages (14th–15th centuries), plate armour began to increasingly replace parts of the chainmail armour. Chainmail leggings became shorter or were worn only below the kneecaps – supplemented by plate leg armour. The term ‘leg armour’ or ‘leg armour’ explicitly refers to the plate version, whilst chainmail leggings continued to serve as under-padding or protection for uncovered areas. Anyone looking for leg armour made of plate sections will find it in a separate category.
Ring types and riveting – an overview of the key differences
The quality and suitability for use of chainmail greaves depend largely on the shape of the rings, the type of riveting, the diameter and the material. The following table summarises the most important variants:
| Feature | Variant | Suitability | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ring shape | Round rings | LARP / Beginner | Round cross-section, lighter, less contact surface |
| Ring shape | Flat rings | Historical | Flat-rolled, tighter mesh appearance, denser and heavier |
| Riveted | Unriveted | Entry-level | Most affordable option, lower stability under load |
| Riveted | Fully riveted | LARP / Market | Each ring secured individually with round rivets, suitable for everyday use |
| Riveting | Wedge-riveted | Reenactment | More historically accurate method, greater strength |
| Riveting | Stamped + riveted | Historical | Alternating stamped and riveted rings – historically documented |
| Diameter | 6 mm | Premium | Exquisite appearance, finest mesh structure, high-quality craftsmanship |
| Diameter | 8 mm | Historical | Most common size for reenactment standards |
| Diameter | 9–10 mm | LARP / Beginners | Larger rings, easier to make, cheaper |
| Material | Carbon steel | Historical | Classic metal, can rust, requires maintenance |
| Material | Spring steel | LARP / Market | Springy elasticity, more robust for everyday use |
| Material | Stainless steel | Low maintenance | Stainless, silvery sheen, less historically accurate |
| Surface | Burnished | Historical | Dark oxidation layer, light rust protection |
| Surface | Galvanised | Low maintenance | Silver-coloured coating, higher corrosion protection |
Chainmail leggings by period – which model suits which portrayal?
High Middle Ages
Full greaves that enclose the foot or are secured with a lacing fastening under the sole of the foot. Suitable for depictions of Crusaders, Norman warriors and knights of the 12th/13th centuries. Typical: round rings or flat rings, round riveted, ID 8–9 mm, carbon steel.
Late Middle Ages
Shorter chainmail greaves or those with additional plate armour on the knee and shin. Typically combined with plate armour. Flat rings wedge-riveted or a combination of stamped and riveted for greater historical accuracy. ID 8 mm, steel.
Transitional form with leather
Chainmail greaves with integrated leather fittings offer a practical hybrid design: the leather parts make it easier to fasten them to belts or leg straps and also make the greaves suitable for general re-enactment performances where comfort is a priority. Available in natural, blackened and galvanised finishes.
Fastening and wearing – how to fit chain leggings correctly
Historically, chausses were held in place in various ways. The simplest method is a loop made of chain mail, which is hooked onto the belt. Alternatively, leather straps or cords are used, which are tied around the thigh. On models with leather fittings, a sewn-on leather strip with holes facilitates direct fastening via straps and buckles to the waistband or weapon belt.
It is essential to wear padded undergarments beneath chain leggings – ideally a gambeson or at least thick knitted wool leggings. This padding serves two purposes: it distributes the pressure of the metal rings across the skin and absorbs the impact of blows. Chain greaves worn directly against bare skin rub, pinch and efficiently conduct the cold – which was just as problematic historically as it is today.
When it comes to fit: chainmail leggings are generally available in one size or a few size variations. Thigh circumference and leg length are the key measurements. Those with larger calves or thighs should look for models with a larger inner diameter (9–10 mm), as these offer slightly more room. Models with chainmail rings as accessories allow for individual adjustments if required.
Protective properties and combination with other armour parts
- Good protection against cuts and slashes
- Protection against arrowheads provided the rings are of sufficient thickness and properly riveted
- Flexible and allows for greater freedom of movement compared to rigid plate armour
- Distributes impact energy over a larger area
- Weight of a complete chain armour set approx. 8–15 kg depending on circumference
- Limited protection against blunt force (club, hammer blow) without a gambeson lining
- Difficult to prevent stab wounds from thin blades (especially if not riveted)
- Supplemented with knee guards and shin plates was common in the late Middle Ages
- Combination: Chain leggings + gambeson + hauberk + helmet make sense as a complete system
- For stage combat: padding and correct riveting are particularly important
A complete chainmail armour set – that is, a system comprising chainmail tunic, chainmail leggings, chainmail sleeves, chainmail gloves and chainmail coif – distributes its weight evenly across the body. In contrast to plate armour, which concentrates weight on the shoulders and hips, the load is distributed all around the body with chainmail armour. As a result, chainmail is surprisingly comfortable to wear despite its total weight of 8 to 15 kg.
Price ranges and quality levels – from entry-level to reenactment standard
Burnished or galvanised chain leggings made from unriveted round rings (Ø 8–10 mm), carbon or spring steel. Suitable for first appearances at medieval markets, costume use and light LARP. The models from Battle Merchant in this price range offer solid craftsmanship for beginners. The variants with leather fittings (from approx. €84) also fall into this category.
Round-riveted flat or round rings, Ø 8–9 mm, carbon or spring steel. This price range covers the needs for regular use at markets, in exhibition combat and in reenactment. Both Battle Merchant and Lord of Battles offer fully riveted models here, which are significantly more stable under load than non-riveted variants.
Wedge-riveted flat rings, some combined with stamped rings, Ø 6–8 mm. Highest historical standards, tightest mesh structure, meticulous workmanship. The flat-ring greaves with 6 mm rings are among the most elaborate items in the range – and reflect the standard of craftsmanship documented for high-ranking fighters of the 13th/14th centuries.
Care and storage of chainmail greaves
Chainmail leggings made of carbon or spring steel will rust if packed whilst damp or stored untreated. The most important care measure is to oil them after every use – a light machine oil or special chainmail oil is sufficient. When doing so, spread out the mesh or hang it up so that the oil reaches all the rings.
Burnished rings already have a protective oxide layer, but this is broken down by sweat and moisture. Regular re-oiling prolongs the protective effect. Galvanised rings are more corrosion-resistant, but still require occasional care, as the zinc coating can be damaged mechanically.
A tried-and-tested historical method for removing rust is rolling the chain in dry sand or sawdust: the abrasive mechanically removes the rust without damaging the rings. Alternatively, modern rust removers available from specialist retailers work well. For storage, we recommend hanging the chain or winding it loosely in a dry room – never store it in a damp place or folded up in a plastic bag.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable starter set for your first medieval market appearance or building a historically accurate 13th-century costume – our range includes chainmail leggings to suit every need and budget. Complete your armour set with matching chainmail gloves, chainmail sleeves or a gambeson as an underlay.
Frequently asked questions
Chainmail leggings, historically known as chausses, are leg guards made of chain mail. They protect the legs from blows and cuts and were worn primarily in the High Middle Ages as part of a full suit of chainmail armour. Leg armour, on the other hand, refers to leg protection made of plate sections, which increasingly supplemented or replaced chainmail leggings from the 14th century onwards.
It was essential to wear padded undergarments beneath chainmail greaves, typically thick woollen leggings or a gambeson. This layer of padding served two purposes: it prevented pressure marks and friction caused by the metal rings on the skin, and absorbed the impact energy of blows. Wearing them directly on bare skin was historically just as uncomfortable as it is today.
Chain mail provides reliable protection against cuts and slashes, as well as, to a certain extent, against arrowheads. Protection against blunt trauma (clubs, hammer blows) is weaker, as the rings disperse the energy but do not absorb it completely – in this case, padded undergarments are essential. Against thin stabbing blades, unriveted mail offers less protection than fully riveted models.
A full set of chainmail armour comprising a hauberk, chainmail leggings, chainmail sleeves and chainmail gloves weighs approximately 8 to 15 kg, depending on the ring diameter, ring material and circumference. The weight is distributed evenly across the entire body, making it more comfortable to wear than plate armour, where the weight is concentrated on the shoulders and hips.
For beginners, we recommend models with unriveted round rings made of burnished or galvanised steel with a diameter of 8–10 mm. These variants are cheaper to manufacture, lighter and well-suited for costume purposes, first-time markets and occasional LARP. Anyone wishing to appear regularly at markets or engage in serious re-enactment should invest in models with riveted round rings.