How were plates in a suit of medieval armour joined while still allowing movement?

To allow for maximum freedom of movement, medieval plate armour was constructed using a combination of loosely closed rivets and internal leather straps.1

These techniques enabled the rigid steel or iron plates to articulate, effectively mimicking the body's natural range of motion. As armourers refined their craft, they developed increasingly sophisticated jointed defenses, such as those seen in 15th-century Gothic-style suits, which featured individually jointed fingers and complex shoulder assemblies.12

Despite these advancements, certain areas—specifically the armpits, the crotch, and the back of the knees—remained difficult to protect with rigid plates while maintaining flexibility. In these instances, armourers continued to use chain mail to close the gaps, ensuring the wearer remained protected without sacrificing mobility.12