Knights Clothes in the Middle Ages

A knight in the Middle Ages wore a padded vest called a gipoun for comfort and a cloth tunic made of woven cloth called fustian. The first type of armor knights wore was chain mail -- a coat made of linked chains called a habergeoun -- that could weigh up to 30 pounds. Eventually, chain mail was replaced by plate mail, or metal armor. Plate mail covered the entire body. It was made by attaching one-half-inch strips of metal in a circular fashion, tailored to a particular knight's measurements. Breastplates protected the chest, cuisses the thighs and greaves protected the calves. Gorgets were plate collars that protected the neck, shoulders and the upper chest.

Not only was body armor heavy, but knights added around another 14 pounds when they put on their helmets. Called bascinets, the helmets were pointed or rounded on top with an open-face and visor the knight could lift up. Some knights wore a close helmet paired with a bevor, a piece of metal extending from the chest plate; together, they completely covered a knight's face and head. A full suit of armor including the helmet could weigh up to 100 pounds.