| During times medieval, clothing strictly dictated the | | | | organs of the chest, back abdomen, while |
| social status of a person. Called the sumptuary | | | | greaves protected the calves and shins. There |
| laws, the edict on dress code and other expenses | | | | were plates of armor that covered the kneecap, |
| that medieval society had limited such according | | | | thigh, and feet. As well, the arms, hands and even |
| to class; only royalty were allowed to own and | | | | the vulnerable armpits were covered with plates |
| wear the richest, most luxurious items, while the | | | | of armor. |
| poorest of the poor were the most modestly | | | | In earlier times, chainmail was used as protection. |
| dressed of all classes. Buying clothing in medieval | | | | The mail consisted of fine metal rings that |
| times was limited according to wealth and social | | | | covered the trunk, arms, legs, and up to the neck |
| rank. | | | | and head. Sometimes, chainmail was used beneath |
| With such declaration, the social structure was | | | | the suit of armor. |
| thus maintained. Everyone knew their place and | | | | Like Any Other Man Underneath It All |
| just from one look at a person's clothes, medieval | | | | However, underneath a 40- to 60- pound metal |
| society knew what he or she does for a living or | | | | suit of armor, or movement-restricting chainmail, |
| else, his or her status in society. Just as peasants, | | | | every knight dressed the same as a civilian of his |
| merchants, nobility, and royalty can be known | | | | rank. The bottommost layer of clothing consisted |
| through their dresses, medieval knights had their | | | | of a linen undershirt and linen underpants. The |
| distinctive attire that lets others know what they | | | | knight then wore woolen stockings over his bare |
| are at a glance. | | | | legs. Next, padding consisted of a quilted coat was |
| The Proverbial Shining Armor | | | | worn, known by various names such as doublet, |
| The knights were an outcome of the feudal | | | | gambeson, and arming coat. A surcotte was a |
| system that existed in the Middle Ages. They | | | | robe tied with a belt at the waist and emblazoned |
| would go to war for their lords, to acquire lands | | | | with the coat of arms or device that identifies the |
| or else valuable spoils from their belligerent | | | | knight during battle. All the layers of clothing would |
| exploits. In order to successfully fulfill this role, | | | | be necessary to keep the knight from chafing |
| knights often wore protection when going fighting. | | | | once the armor is worn. |
| Protection often consisted of a suit of metal | | | | Being of such vital significance to the feudal way |
| armor that covered them from head to toe. The | | | | of life, knights in society were stationed |
| finer the suit of armor was, the more important | | | | somewhere above peasantry and below or, in |
| the knight was in society. | | | | many occasions, with the aristocracy. |
| The head was usually covered by a helmet, with | | | | Nevertheless, they were the wealthiest soldiers of |
| or without a hinged visor that protected the eyes. | | | | the medieval kingdom, as their clothing may |
| Breastplates and back armor protected the vital | | | | accordingly confirm. |