The Complete Guide to Medieval Armor: Full Body SteelSuits, Helmets, Shields & Custom Armor

Artisans Hub
December 25, 2025
5 min read
Discover the complete guide to medieval armor, including full body steel suits, helmets, shields, and custom armor. Learn about historical designs, craftsmanship, and armor types used by knights and warriors throughout the medieval era.

Introduction

Medieval armor is not just protection—it’s craftsmanship, history, and art. Today, armor is sought after for reenactment, cosplay, decorative display, and collection. At Artisans
Hub, we specialize in handcrafted medieval full body steel armor suits, fantasy muscle armor, Viking shields, helmets, gorgets, leg armor, lady armor, and fully custom-made armor.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the types of armor, historical context, weight, cost, and how to choose the
right armor for your needs. This pillar post also serves as your hub to
explore detailed blog posts on each armor type and category.

1. What Is Medieval Armor?

Medieval armor refers to protective
equipment used in the Middle Ages, primarily made of steel and metal,
designed to protect the wearer in battle while allowing mobility. Today,
high-quality reproductions are used for:

  • Reenactment and HEMA combat
  • Cosplay and fantasy events
  • Decorative and display purposes
  • Private collections and museum exhibitions

🔗 Learn more about full
body armor in our guide: How to Choose Medieval Full Body Armor

2. Types of Medieval Armor You Can Buy Today

Medieval Full Body Steel Armor Suits

These suits include helmets,
breastplates, arm and leg armor, and gorgets. They are ideal for:

  • Historical reenactment
  • Collectors
  • Display or decorative purposes

🔗 Related post: Plate
Armor vs Chainmail: Which Is Better?

Fantasy & Muscle Armor (Cosplay & Display)

Inspired by Roman and fantasy
designs, muscle armor is perfect for:

  • Cosplay events
  • Stage performances
  • Decorative display

🔗 Related post: What Is Muscle Armor? History & Modern Use

Viking Shields

Handcrafted Viking shields are available in various sizes and materials. Ideal for:

  • Historical reenactment
  • Decorative display

🔗 Related post: Viking Shields: Types, Materials & Sizes

Helmets, Gorgets, and Leg Armor

Key protective pieces include:

  • Medieval helmets (open-face and full-face)
  • Gorgets for neck protection
  • Steel leg armor (greaves, cuisses)
  • Lady armor for a proper fit and comfort

🔗 Related post: Types of Medieval Helmets Explained

3. How Heavy Is Medieval Steel Armor?

A full medieval steel armor suit
weighs roughly 20–30 kg (45–65 lbs). Despite appearances, the weight is
distributed evenly, making it practical for:

  • Reenactment
  • Cosplay
  • Display setups

🔗 Learn more in our detailed guide: Medieval Armor Weight: What to Expect

4. How Much Does Medieval Armor Cost?

Pricing depends on:

  • Full suit vs individual pieces
  • Level of craftsmanship
  • Custom measurements
  • Decorative vs functional use

Typical ranges:

  • Decorative/display armor: entry-level
  • Functional full body steel armor: mid to premium
  • Custom-made armor: premium/high-end

🔗 Related post: How Much
Does Medieval Armor Cost?

5. Choosing the Right Armor

Before buying armor, consider:

  • Purpose: Reenactment, cosplay, display
  • Budget: Entry-level, mid-range, or custom
  • Fit & Size: Comfort is critical
  • Style: Historical accuracy vs fantasy designs

Common mistakes include:

  • Buying the wrong size
  • Mixing historical periods
  • Choosing appearance over function

🔗 Related post: Common
Mistakes When Buying Medieval Armor

6. Custom-Made Armor

Custom armor allows:

  • Perfect body fit
  • Choice of steel thickness
  • Engravings and decorative elements
  • Historical or fantasy design

This is ideal for collectors,
reenactors, and high-end displays.

7. Decorative & Display Armor

Decorative armor focuses on:

  • Aesthetic appeal
  • Polished finishes and craftsmanship
  • Historical or fantasy accuracy

Perfect for:

  • Home décor
  • Offices and exhibition halls
  • Gifts and collectibles

8. Why Buy Medieval Armor from Artisans Hub?

  • Handcrafted steel and metal armor
  • Full body suits, helmets, shields, and muscle armor
  • Custom-made options available
  • Decorative and functional designs
  • Worldwide shipping

9. Explore Our Detailed Guides

This pillar post serves as the hub.
Explore related blog posts for more detail:

  • How to Choose Medieval Full Body Armor
  • Plate Armor vs Chainmail: Which Is Better?
  • Types of Medieval Helmets Explained
  • Viking Shields: Types, Materials & Sizes
  • Muscle Armor vs Plate Armor
Medieval History Knights Castles Legends