As weapons got better,stronger and lighter armor had to change in order to defend against this. The armor itself also got lighter and stronger. Eventually with the advent of powdered ballistic weapons armor fell from use because it became useless against bullets.

Suits of armor varied greatly and this was determined by many factors. The metal working skills, the availability of materials, the wealth of the wearer and the weapons that were protected against.

Undergarments: Armor was heavy, metal and dangerous. It could damage the skin so knights wore undergarments to protect themselves and to add extra protection. These undergarments were often cloth but sometimes they were of a chainmail material.

Common Parts of the Knights armor

Crusader Helmet - Full Size Medieval Armor

Crusader Helmet Developed early in the 12th century, the Great Helm became the mainstay of the Medieval fighting man and lasted for about 300 years. Sometimes worn over a smaller helmet and mail, this beautiful helmet with its menacing, narrow eyeslits was a strong, tough steel helmet fully capable of absorbing the shock of combat. This helmet is produced by hand with the same techniques they used for over 600-800 years ago. This helmet is both wearable and a collectable!

Battle Armor Full Body

34 inch long butted chainmail. The chestpiece is what the full armor is, the hood (coif) is not included.

Chain Mail Coif Medieval Knight Armor 8mm Butted Rings 16 gauge and galvanizeed steel coif

Here is a common list of the parts of a suit of armor: