How did mail mittens and gauntlets protect a knight's hands?

By the 12th century, European armourers began extending chain mail to protect a knight's hands as part of their defensive equipment.12

These hand coverings functioned by utilizing a fine mesh of interwoven iron or steel rings, which provided a flexible yet durable barrier against slashing attacks. The evolution of this protection occurred in two primary stages:32

• Mail Mittens: Early versions were designed as mittens. To maintain functionality when the knight was not in combat, these often featured a leather-lined hole in the palm, allowing the wearer to thrust their hand out of the mail covering.3
• Mail Gauntlets: By the mid-13th century, advancements in the armourer's skill allowed for the creation of complete gloves of mail, which provided more comprehensive coverage for the fingers and hand.3

While effective against slashes, mail could be vulnerable to thrusting weapons, which might force the rings apart despite their riveted closures. Consequently, knights often wore these pieces in conjunction with other protective layers to ensure maximum safety on the battlefield.23