Maille

Maille, often known as chain mail, is a flexible armor made of interlinked metal rings forming a mesh. The term derives from the French maille, meaning mesh or net, and in English it has long been used to describe this form of protective garment. Maille was widely used in Europe, the Middle East, and adjacent regions from late antiquity through the medieval period, frequently worn beneath or incorporated into plate armor or as standalone protection for limbs, the torso, and the head with coifs and gloves.

Construction and weaves: Maille is created by closing rings in a repeating pattern to produce a fabric-like fabric. The most common weave is 4-in-1, in which each ring links to four others. Other weaves include 6-in-1, 8-in-1, and 12-in-1, which yield denser and stiffer fabrics. Rings can be made from iron, steel, bronze, brass, or copper, with modern practice often using steel or stainless steel. Maille may be riveted (rings joined with rivets) or made with closed rings without rivets.

Use and evolution: Historically, maille offered good protection against cuts but limited defense against thrusts and heavy blows, and its military value declined with the rise of plate armor and firearms. In later periods it served as a flexible supplement to plate or as armor for archers and horsemen in certain regions. In contemporary times, maille appears in historical reenactment, film and theater, and as jewelry or decorative art.

Care and maintenance: Keep maille dry when not in use, remove moisture to prevent rust, and apply a light oil or protective coating as needed. Store in a dry environment.