how did knights put on their armor

Donning the Battle Gear: How Knights Put On Their Armor

By Ashley WhiteApril 19, 2026

The intricate process of a knight donning armor, a ritual often associated with Tradition and Chivalry, is as fascinating as it is misunderstood. Before the advent of plate and mail armor, knights wore chainmail, which was lighter and more flexible. However, putting on chainmail was no simple task.

With the evolution of armors, the process became more complex, with knights requiring assistance to don their protective garments. The process was akin to an intricate dance, performed in a specific sequence to ensure safety and efficacy.

Components of Armor

The armor worn by a knight consisted of various components, each serving a specific purpose and often made of different materials like iron, steel, or even gold. These included the helmet, breastplate, backplate, pauldron, vambrace, greaves, and gauntlets. Understanding these components is key to understanding how knights donned their armor.

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The armor was designed to protect vital areas of the body while allowing for a fair degree of movement, making the process of wearing it a delicate balance between safety and agility.

Preparation of the Armor

Before donning the armor, it was essential to ensure that it was well-maintained and fits perfectly. Knights often had their armor custom-made to ensure a perfect fit. The armor was cleaned, polished, and sometimes greased to facilitate movement and prevent rusting.

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The armor was also inspected for any damage or weak points that could compromise the knight's safety. Repairs were made if necessary, ensuring that the armor was in top condition before being worn.

Assistance in Donning Armor

Knights often required the assistance of a squire or a page when putting on their armor. The process was complex and time-consuming, and having an extra pair of hands could significantly speed it up. This assistance also served a symbolic purpose, representing the knight's status and power.

The squire or page would help the knight into his armor, starting with the smallest pieces, like the gauntlets, and moving on to the larger ones, like the breastplate and backplate. The process required a great deal of patience and coordination.

Squires are usually outfitted with relatively light armor plating and given a typical one handed broadsword as well as an optional shield. Knights are usually seen wearing hooded helmets as part of their test of chastity, these helms are designed to not impair their ability to see or fight, their armor plating is more widespread than squires, knights tend to avoid using heavy weaponry like battle axes or maces and will instead favor light weapons like short blades and rapiers to increase speed It is very rare to see Sentinels without their helmets, even outside of combat. Compared to squires and knights, sentinels are clad in much thicker armor, making speed less of a priority meaning they can wield heavier weaponry. The switch from a fast paced attack style of a knight to the heavy and slow movement of a sentinel is little issue for a new sentinel as one of the requirements of one is to master several forms of swordplay. - iFunny

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The Process of Donning the Armor

Once the armor was prepared and assistance secured, the knight would begin the process of donning his armor. The process varied depending on the type and style of armor, but there were some common steps.

The process typically began with the undergarments, often made of wool or linen, which provided an additional layer of protection and cushioning. Then, the knight would put on the various pieces of armor, starting with the smallest and working his way up to the largest.

Protective Garments

The first layer of protection was usually a shirt or tunic made of chainmail or quilted fabric. This provided a basic level of protection and could be worn underneath other garments or armor. It was often held in place by a belt or laces.

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Over this, the knight would don his padded gambeson, which provided additional protection and cushioning. The gambeson was typically made of quilted fabric filled with torn cloth or animal hair. It was a critical component of the knight's attire, as it helped absorb shock and reduce the impact of blows.

Armor Pieces

The process of putting on armor proper began with the knight securing his lower body. This involved donning his greaves, which protected his legs, and his cuisses, which protected his thighs. These were typically held in place by straps or laces.

The knight would then move on to his upper body, starting with his breastplate and backplate. These were secured using a system of buckles or laces. Once these were in place, the knight would don his pauldron, which protected his shoulder, and his vambrace, which protected his arm.

Final Touches

With the major pieces of armor in place, the knight would move on to the smaller pieces. The helmet, or bascinet, was often the last piece to be donned. This was secured using a strap under the chin. The knight would also don his gauntlets, which protected his hands, and his bevor, which protected the lower part of his face.

The final touch was often a drape or cloak, which served both a practical and decorative purpose. It could be used to hide the knight's armor from view or protect it from the elements. It was often secured using a brooch or pin.

The Role of Setup and Technique

The process of putting on armor required a specific setup and technique. Knights typically donned their armor in a dedicated area, often a room within the castle or a tent on the battlefield. This area was equipped with a chair or stool, which the knight would use to sit down and secure his armor.

Knights also employed specific techniques to make the process of donning armor faster and easier. For instance, some knights used a ' Combat Tilt' to avoid putting unnecessary strain on their body. This involved bending their torso and legs at specific angles, allowing them to don their armor without fully extending their body.

Trial and Error

The process of donning armor was often a learned skill, honed through trial and error. Knights spent years practicing and refining their technique, learning what worked best for their individual body and style of fighting. This practice was not just about speed and ease; it was also about safety and survival.

Knights who could not don their armor quickly and efficiently put themselves and their comrades at risk. They might find themselves caught off guard by an unexpected attack, or they might exhaust themselves before the battle even began, making them less effective on the battlefield.

The Evolution of Armor and its Impact on the Process

The evolution of armor over time had a significant impact on the process of donning it. As armor became more complex and sophisticated, the process of putting it on became longer and more intricate. This was reflected in the training given to squires, who were often assigned the task of helping their lords into their armor.

Full plate armor, in particular, was challenging to put on. It consisted of multiple pieces, each requiring careful alignment and securement. The process could take up to three hours, with two or more people assisting the knight. Despite the time and effort required, full plate armor offered the most comprehensive protection available.

The Rise of the Armorers

The increasing complexity of armor also led to the rise of specialized armorers. These skilled craftsmen were responsible for designing, creating, and maintaining armor. They understood the intricacies of each piece and how they worked together to provide optimum protection.

The services of an armorer were often sought by knights who wanted to ensure that their armor was in top condition before a battle. The armorer could also advise on the best ways to care for armor, ensuring that it lasted as long as possible and maintained its effectiveness in combat.

The process of a knight donning his armor was a complex and multifaceted affair, a blend of tradition, skill, and technology. It was a testament to the knighthood, a symbolic act that stood for strength, status, and honor. To understand the knights of old, one must delve into the intricate world of armor, where every piece, every procedure held a story of courage, dedication, and triumph.