Why did Norman hauberks have splits in them?

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Armour — armour The development of Western body armour through the centuries.

Norman hauberks were designed with splits in the hem specifically to allow the wearer to sit comfortably astride a horse while mounted.1

As the hauberk evolved from the earlier Saxon byrnie into a longer, knee-length garment, this modification became necessary for the mobility of the mounted warrior. While these mail shirts provided essential protective clothing, the splits ensured that the knight's movement was not restricted by the length of the mail when riding into battle.1