hauberk

A hauberk was a tunic made of chain mail, worn as defensive armor primarily from the 12th to the 14th century. This form of body armor was crucial for European knights and soldiers throughout much of the medieval period.12

Chain mail is constructed by interlacing metal rings, which were securely closed by welding or riveting. Early versions, like those worn in late Roman times, were made by sewing iron rings to fabric or leather. Medieval armorers refined this by creating mail independent of cloth or leather.2

Hauberks evolved over time. Initially, they were shorter with separate sleeves. By the time of the Bayeux Tapestry (1066), they were longer, fully sleeved, and often divided to allow for horseback riding. Hoods of mail were also common to protect the head and neck, worn under a helmet. Padded undergarments were essential to cushion blows. By the 12th century, mail extended to protect feet, legs, and hands. Eventually, the gradual addition of plates to mail armor led to the development of complete plate armor, which began to replace mail by the 14th century.2