Types of Medieval Helmets: A Complete Guide
Introduction
The medieval helmet is one of history's most iconic pieces of protective armor. From the battlefields of Anglo-Saxon England to the tournament grounds of 15th-century Europe, helmets evolved dramatically in design, function, and craftsmanship. Whether you're a LARP warrior, cosplay enthusiast, historical reenactor, or collector, understanding the different types of medieval helmets helps you choose the right piece for your purpose.
In this complete guide, we cover every major helmet type — their history, construction, and what makes each one unique. Browse our full Medieval Helmets collection to find handcrafted steel replicas built to museum-quality standards.
1. The Sutton Hoo Helmet (6th–7th Century)
Perhaps the most famous helmet in history, the Sutton Hoo Helmet was discovered in a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon ship burial in Suffolk, England. It is a masterpiece of early medieval craftsmanship — featuring an iron cap, cheek guards, a face mask, and intricate bronze and silver decorative panels depicting warriors and serpents.
The helmet was almost certainly ceremonial as well as functional, worn by a king or high-ranking warrior. Its haunting face mask has made it one of the most recognizable artifacts of the early medieval world.
Best for: Display, museum-quality collections, Anglo-Saxon and Viking Age reenactment.
Shop it: Handcrafted Sutton Hoo Style Anglo-Saxon Helmet – Museum Quality Replica
2. The Viking Helmet (8th–11th Century)
Contrary to popular myth, Viking helmets had no horns. The classic Norse warrior helmet was a simple rounded iron cap, often with a nose guard (nasal bar) and sometimes cheek plates. The Gjermundbu helmet, found in Norway, is the only complete Viking helmet ever discovered — and it is strikingly plain and functional.
Some Viking helmets featured decorative elements like dragon or raven motifs, reflecting Norse mythology and warrior culture.
Best for: Viking Age reenactment, LARP, Norse-themed cosplay, and display.
Shop it: Viking Helmet with Dragon – Hand Forged Medieval Norse Armor
3. The Great Helm (12th–14th Century)
The Great Helm (also called the pot helm or bucket helm) was the dominant helmet of the Crusades era. It completely enclosed the head and face, with narrow eye slits and ventilation holes. While it offered excellent protection, it severely limited vision and airflow — making it exhausting to wear in combat.
Great Helms were often worn over a padded coif and mail hood (aventail), and were frequently decorated with crests for identification on the battlefield.
Best for: Crusader reenactment, medieval knight cosplay, and display.
4. The Bascinet (14th–15th Century)
The Bascinet emerged as a lighter, more practical alternative to the Great Helm. It featured a rounded skull cap that extended down to protect the neck and cheeks, often paired with a chainmail aventail attached around the lower edge.
The most distinctive variant is the Hounskull (Hundsgugel) — a Bascinet with a pointed visor resembling a dog's snout, designed to deflect sword thrusts. It became one of the most widely used helmets of the late medieval period.
Best for: 14th–15th century reenactment, LARP combat, and display.
Shop it: Bascinet Hounskull Visor – Late Medieval Combat Helmet with Chainmail Aventail | Medieval Nurnberg Bascinet Hounskell Helmet with Chainmail
5. The Barbuta (15th Century)
The Barbuta is an Italian helmet of the 15th century, characterized by its T-shaped or Y-shaped face opening. It offered full head and neck protection without a separate visor, making it simpler and more comfortable than many contemporary designs. Its clean lines and elegant silhouette make it one of the most visually striking medieval helmets.
The Barbuta is closely associated with Italian city-state warfare and is a favorite among LARP and cosplay communities for its balance of protection and aesthetics.
Best for: Italian medieval reenactment, LARP, cosplay, and display.
Shop it: Black Crusader Knight Full Body Armor – Mild Steel Barbuta Helmet for LARP & Cosplay
6. The Close Helmet (15th–17th Century)
The Close Helmet was the pinnacle of late medieval and Renaissance armor design. It fully enclosed the head with a pivoting visor and bevor (chin guard), offering maximum protection while allowing the visor to be raised. It was the standard helmet of the fully armored knight in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Gothic and Maximilian styles of close helmets are particularly prized by collectors for their elaborate fluting and craftsmanship.
Best for: Late medieval and Renaissance reenactment, full armor displays, and collectors.
Shop it: Handcrafted Medieval Steel Close Helmet – Gothic Knight Armor with Visor & Leather Straps
7. The Kettle Hat (13th–15th Century)
The Kettle Hat (or War Hat) was the infantryman's helmet of choice throughout the medieval period. Its wide brim deflected blows from above — particularly useful against cavalry sword strikes — while its open face allowed excellent vision and ventilation. It was cheap to produce, practical, and widely used by foot soldiers, crossbowmen, and archers.
Best for: Infantry reenactment, Crusader and Hundred Years' War scenarios, LARP.
Shop it: Medieval Kettle Hat Helmet – Hand Forged Steel Crusader Helmet for Reenactment, LARP & Cosplay
How to Choose the Right Medieval Helmet
Choosing the right helmet depends on three factors:
- Historical period: Match your helmet to your era — Viking Age (8th–11th c.), Crusades (12th–13th c.), or Late Medieval (14th–15th c.)
- Purpose: LARP and reenactment require wearable, durable steel; display pieces can prioritize aesthetics and detail
- Style: Open-face helmets (Barbuta, Kettle Hat) offer comfort; closed helmets (Bascinet, Close Helmet) offer maximum protection
All helmets in our collection are handcrafted from mild or carbon steel by skilled artisans, built to museum-quality standards for both display and wear.
Shop Our Full Medieval Helmets Collection
Ready to find your perfect helmet? Browse our complete range of handcrafted steel medieval helmets — from the iconic Sutton Hoo replica to the battle-ready Barbuta and Bascinet.