Chain skirts
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- Item out of stock
The chain skirt – also known as a chain kilt – was a key element of body armour in the Middle Ages, complementing plate armour, chainmail and surcoats alike. Whether for exhibition combat, re-enactment or as a basis for your own armour projects: here you will find a selection of riveted and stamped steel chain skirts, expertly crafted and available in various ring diameters.
What is a chain skirt and what was it used for?
The chain skirt is a protective garment made from interlocking metal rings that shielded the lower body – particularly the thighs and hips – from slashing and stabbing weapons. Unlike a full coat of mail (hauberk), it covers only the area below the waist, making it lighter and more flexible.
Historically, the chain skirt was particularly widespread in the late Middle Ages, when the emerging plate armour protected the torso and limbs but left gaps between the cuirass, greaves and thighs. The chain skirt filled precisely this gap in protection. In the High Middle Ages, it was frequently worn as a standalone item or in combination with a short hauberk. Supplemented by chainmail leggings, chainmail sleeves and a chainmail coif, this formed a complete chainmail armour, as evidenced in numerous medieval depictions and archaeological finds.
The term ‘chain tunic’ is used synonymously here – it refers to the same garment, which was designated differently in German-speaking regions depending on the region and source.
The chain skirt in historical armour combinations
In the High Middle Ages, the classic combination was a long hauberk worn with a chainmail skirt, which protected the crotch and thighs. This setup was particularly common among mounted fighters, who required additional protection for their legs whilst in the saddle.
With the advent of plate armour in the late Middle Ages, the role of the chain skirt changed: it became a bridge between the cuirass and the greaves, filling the area that could not be covered by plate sections. Underneath the metal armour, a gambeson was usually worn, which served as padding, cushioned blows and significantly improved comfort – this still applies today in stage combat and re-enactment.
Additional chainmail components such as chainmail collars, chainmail gloves and chainmail mesh pieces allow armour to be completed in a targeted manner. Anyone wishing to construct historically plausible late medieval armour will find it hard to do without a chainmail skirt.
Chainmail skirts at a glance: Variants by design and intended use
Unriveted / Spring steel
Made from unriveted spring steel rings – lightweight, affordable and suitable for visual purposes, costume events and first-time use. No protection for display combat, but a solid foundation.
Mixed riveted & stamped
Combination of riveted and stamped rings – good value for money, significantly more stable than non-riveted variants. Well suited for LARP exhibition combat and re-enactment performances.
Fully riveted
Flat or round rings with round or wedge rivets – maximum stability, historically close to documented originals. Designed for intense exhibition combat and demanding reenactment. Also available with a padded fabric belt.
The chain skirts in our range are available in various sizes (M, L, XL) and inner ring diameters. Models with a padded fabric belt offer greater comfort, particularly for everyday wear and during longer events, than versions with a bare metal edge. Those who wish to assemble or supplement armour pieces themselves will find a practical DIY base in some chain skirts.
Which chain skirt suits which requirements?
Unriveted spring steel chainmail skirt: For costume events, theatre performances or a first taste of chainmail armour. No protection for stage combat, but visually impressive and significantly cheaper than riveted versions.
Mixed riveted and stamped flat rings (Ø 8mm or 9mm), some with a padded fabric belt made of carbon steel: Good value for money for regular use at LARP events and with re-enactment groups. Flexible, suitable for everyday wear, suitable for show fighting.
Fully riveted versions with flat rings, wedge or round rivets (Ø 6–8mm): Maximum stability, historically faithful to medieval models. For serious stage combat and re-enactment performances where craftsmanship counts.
Ring types and riveting: What the technical details mean
| Ring type | Riveting | Suitability | Special feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round rings | Unriveted (spring steel) | Costume | Lightweight, inexpensive, not suitable for exhibition fighting |
| Round rings Ø 8mm | Round rivets | LARP | Flexible, good freedom of movement, solid stability |
| Flat rings Ø 8mm | Wedge rivets | Reenactment | Historically accurate, flat profile, lightweight |
| Flat rings Ø 8mm | Round rivets | Reenactment | Classic High Medieval look, sturdy |
| Flat rings Ø 9mm (4-in-1) | Riveted, carbon steel | Stage combat | With padded fabric belt, increased comfort |
| Mixed (riveted & stamped) | Round or wedge rivets Ø 6–8mm | LARP | Balance between cost and stability |
The inner diameter of the rings has a noticeable effect on weight and flexibility: small rings (Ø 6 mm) result in a denser, heavier weave with a finer appearance; larger rings (Ø 8–9 mm) are slightly lighter and more flexible, which is more comfortable, especially when worn for long periods. Riveted rings are significantly more stable than unriveted ones – only fully riveted chain skirts are suitable for use in real combat. Stamped rings are made from a single piece and cannot be opened, which makes them more stable than simple open rings, but less labour-intensive than fully riveted versions.
Care and storage of your chain skirt
Steel is prone to rust if stored incorrectly – untreated chain skirts in particular are sensitive to moisture. After each use, you should allow the chain skirt to dry thoroughly and then rub it lightly with oil. Machine oil, gun oil or special metal care oil are suitable – it is important that all rings are evenly coated.
Untreated chain skirts develop a patina over time and take on a dark, worn look – this is not a defect, but a natural process. If you wish to control the patina, oil the chain skirt regularly and store it in a dry place. For storage, we recommend open metal hooks or a breathable bag – damp, closed bags significantly promote rust formation. Do not store unrolled chain skirts in plastic bags.
After intensive use, it is worth checking the chainmail skirt for damaged or open rings and closing or replacing them promptly. Chainmail rings and repair accessories are available separately.
A chain skirt is more than just a visual element – it fills gaps in the armour and makes any historical costume more complete. Take your time to browse the available models and compare ring diameters, riveting types and sizes – or simply give us a call if you’re unsure which design suits your needs.
Frequently asked questions
A hauberk is a long chainmail shirt that covers the upper body, arms and often the thighs as well. A chainmail skirt, on the other hand, is a standalone piece of armour that protects only the lower body – primarily the hips and thighs. In the late Middle Ages, the chain skirt was often worn in addition to plate armour to bridge the gap between the cuirass and the greaves.
No. Unriveted chain skirts made of spring steel are suitable for costume purposes and visual displays, but do not offer sufficient protection in re-enactment combat. For use in re-enactment combat or intensive LARP battles, you should choose at least a mixed riveted/stamped chain skirt – or better still, a fully riveted version.
Smaller rings (Ø 6mm) result in a denser, slightly heavier weave with a finer appearance – more historically authentic, but less comfortable to wear. Larger rings (Ø 8–9mm) are more flexible and lighter, which is more comfortable during long events. For LARP and general re-enactment, Ø 8mm is a good compromise.
After each use, allow the chainmail skirt to dry completely and then rub it lightly with machine oil or gun oil. Store it in a dry place and not in sealed plastic bags – preferably on a hook or in a breathable bag. Untreated steel chainmail skirts develop a patina over time, which can be easily controlled by regular oiling.
A classic chainmail armour set consists of a chainmail tunic or haubergeon, chainmail skirt, chainmail hoods, chainmail sleeves and chainmail leggings. A gambeson is recommended as undergarment, as it cushions blows and significantly improves comfort. Which combination is historically accurate depends on the period being portrayed – the High Middle Ages and Late Middle Ages differ significantly.