Lamellar armor has been widely used thought history. It currently is highly prized within the SCA for its versatility and protection.
The particular historical inspiration for this piece comes from the Yuan Dynasty of Mongolia 1271-1368. Being that we live in the “Modern Middle Ages” however; I have taken certain creative license in its design and crafting.
The overall construction is of 250 + wax hardened leather lames. The leather itself is of 11 to 13oz saddle skirting. I use a special mixture of waxes to raise the melting temperature to about 190 degrees. This renders the leather exceptionally hard while maintaining rigidity in hot weather. It also prevents the wax from weeping out of the leather under these conditions. The lames are laced with solid core woven nylon lacing with each lame overlapping 4 other lames. This design is both beautiful as well as offering exceptional protection. This configuration of lames results in an armor that is a minimum ½ inch thick.
Lamellar normally is left slack and flowing. This particular design however offers a ridged chest plate giving superior protection and support for the woman fighter. This torso is fashioned over a yoke that resembles a corset constructed of 13oz leather. Exacting measurements are required for an ideal fit. The goal is to cover all inflexible areas of the body with a close fitting rigid armor skin. This close fit also serves the purpose of supporting the majority of the weight on the ribs and chest. Care must be taken to allow for free breathing without constriction. Loose and flowing lames then cover the flexible areas of the body giving the warrior a full range of motion. A single thin (action back) strap crosses the shoulders and crisscrosses the back providing for a full range of motion in the shoulders and upper arms.
The skirt is attached by the use of flexible strip of elk hide. This attachment offers the same degree of protection while allowing for deep squats and kneeling.
The entire torso, back and skirt folds up into a clam shell looking package that fits well inside a standard Do bag or gym bag.
Finally the aesthetic have been specifically design to allow for a beautiful feminine appearance without shouting to the world that you are a woman fighter.