Authentic handcrafted full body knight armor – Artisans Hub

How to Wear Knight Armor: The Complete Guide to Full Body Armor Fitting & Buying

Whether you're suiting up for a LARP battle, a cosplay event, a historical reenactment, or simply displaying a masterpiece in your home — knowing how to wear knight armor correctly is essential. A poorly fitted suit not only looks wrong, it can restrict movement and damage the armor itself.

In this guide, we cover everything: the correct layering order, how to size and fit each piece, what to wear underneath, and — most importantly — where to buy authentic full body knight armor that's built to last.

Ready to own your suit? Browse our Medieval Full Body Armor Collection — handcrafted in premium steel for LARP, cosplay, reenactment & display.

1. What Is Full Body Knight Armor?

Full body knight armor — also called a full plate armor suit or knight suit of armor — is a complete set of articulated steel plates designed to protect the entire body. Originating in 14th–16th century Europe, these suits were engineered masterpieces: flexible enough for combat, yet strong enough to deflect swords and arrows.

Today, full body armor is sought after for:

• LARP (Live Action Role Play) — functional, wearable combat armor
• Cosplay & conventions — screen-accurate fantasy and historical looks
• Historical reenactment — period-accurate reproduction suits
• Home display & collecting — statement pieces and heirloom collectibles

At Artisans Hub, every suit in our full body armor collection is handcrafted by skilled artisans using 16–18 gauge steel, with custom sizing available.

2. The Layers of Knight Armor Explained

Medieval armor was never a single piece — it was a carefully layered system. Here's how a full plate armor suit breaks down from inside out:

3. How to Wear Knight Armor: Step-by-Step

Putting on a full suit of armor — called "arming" — traditionally required a squire. Here's the correct order:

Step 1: Put on Your Arming Garments

Start with a fitted arming doublet (padded jacket) and arming hose (padded leggings). These are the foundation — they cushion the steel and prevent chafing. Never wear knight armor directly on bare skin.

Step 2: Attach Sabatons (Foot Armor)

Start from the ground up. Strap the sabatons (steel foot plates) over your boots. They should flex at the toe and sit snugly without pinching.

Step 3: Secure Greaves & Cuisses (Leg Armor)

Greaves protect the shins; cuisses protect the thighs. Attach them with leather straps or buckles. Poleyns (knee cops) should align perfectly with your kneecap for full articulation.

Step 4: Put on Vambraces & Rerebraces (Arm Armor)

Slide vambraces onto your forearms and rerebraces onto your upper arms. Couters (elbow cops) should sit centered on the elbow joint.

Step 5: Don the Cuirass (Breastplate & Backplate)

This is the centerpiece of your suit. Lift the breastplate over your head and secure the side straps. The backplate follows. Ensure the bottom edge sits just above your hip bones — not resting on them.

Step 6: Attach Pauldrons & Gorget

Pauldrons (shoulder plates) attach to the cuirass via straps or rivets. The gorget (neck guard) goes on next — it should allow full head rotation without gaps.

Step 7: Put on Gauntlets (Hand Armor)

Slide your hands into the gauntlets last before the helmet. Articulated fingers should move freely.

Step 8: Place the Helmet

Lower the helmet onto your head last. Ensure the visor (if present) opens and closes smoothly and your vision is unobstructed.

Pro Tip: Always have a second person help you arm up — especially for the backplate and pauldrons. This is historically accurate and practically essential.

4. What to Wear Underneath Knight Armor

The correct undergarments make the difference between a comfortable, functional suit and a painful experience:

• Arming doublet — the most important piece; padded, fitted, with attachment points for armor straps
• Arming hose — padded leggings that attach to the doublet
• Linen shirt & braies — for historical accuracy and moisture management
• Thick wool socks — worn inside sabatons for comfort
• Leather boots — sturdy, flat-soled boots that fit inside sabatons

For LARP and cosplay use, modern moisture-wicking base layers work excellently under armor and are far more practical for long events.

5. How to Size Full Body Armor Correctly

Sizing is the most critical factor when buying full body knight armor. Ill-fitting armor is uncomfortable, restricts movement, and looks wrong. Here's what to measure:

• Chest circumference — measured at the widest point
• Waist circumference — at the natural waist
• Height — total standing height
• Shoulder width — across the back from shoulder to shoulder
• Arm length — from shoulder to wrist
• Inseam length — for leg armor fit
• Head circumference — for helmet sizing

At Artisans Hub, all our full body armor suits are available in custom sizes. Simply provide your measurements at checkout and our artisans will craft the suit to your exact dimensions.

6. Best Full Body Armor for LARP & Cosplay

If you're buying full body armor for LARP or cosplay, you need a suit that balances authenticity, wearability, and durability. Here are our top picks:

7. Full Body Armor for Display & Collectors

Display armor is one of the most powerful statement pieces you can own. A full suit of knight armor commands attention in any room — a home, office, or gallery. Key considerations for display armor:

• Steel gauge — 16–18 gauge steel gives the best visual weight and durability
• Finish — polished, blackened, or antiqued finishes each create a different aesthetic
• Stand included — a proper armor stand is essential for display
• Custom sizing — even display armor should be proportioned correctly

Our Full Body Barbuta Armor is a particularly popular choice for collectors and interior display — its commanding silhouette and masterpiece-grade finish make it a true heirloom piece.

8. Where to Buy Authentic Full Body Knight Armor

When searching for full body knight armor for sale, quality and authenticity matter enormously. Here's what to look for:

• ✅ Handcrafted by skilled artisans — not mass-produced factory replicas
• ✅ Real steel construction — 16–18 gauge for functional use
• ✅ Custom sizing available — one-size armor never fits correctly
• ✅ Fully articulated — all joints should move freely
• ✅ Transparent maker — know who is making your armor and how

Artisans Hub specialises in premium handcrafted medieval armor built by master craftsmen. Every suit is made to order, custom-sized, and shipped worldwide.

9. How to Care for Your Knight Armor

Proper maintenance keeps your armor looking pristine and prevents rust:

• After each use: wipe down all steel surfaces with a dry cloth to remove moisture and fingerprints
• Oil regularly: apply a thin coat of Renaissance Wax or mineral oil to prevent oxidation
• Store correctly: keep on an armor stand in a dry, climate-controlled environment — never in a damp basement
• Spot rust: treat immediately with fine steel wool (0000 grade) and re-oil
• Leather straps: condition with leather balm every 3–6 months

10. Frequently Asked Questions

How heavy is a full suit of knight armor?

A complete full plate armor suit typically weighs between 15–25 kg (33–55 lbs), depending on the gauge of steel and number of components. Contrary to popular belief, well-fitted armor distributes weight evenly across the body and is quite manageable to wear.

Can you move freely in full body knight armor?

Yes — properly articulated plate armor allows a full range of motion. Historical knights could run, mount horses, and fight in their armor. The key is correct fit and articulation at every joint.

How long does it take to put on a full suit of armor?

With practice and a helper, a full suit can be donned in 15–30 minutes. Alone, expect 45–60 minutes, especially for the backplate and pauldrons.

Can I buy full body knight armor for a woman?

Absolutely. Our Lady Elven Warrior Steel Medieval Body Armor Suit and Lady LARP Hunter Blackened Steel Full Body Armor are designed specifically for women, with custom sizing available.

Is full body armor legal to own?

In most countries, owning decorative or historical armor is completely legal. Always check your local regulations for functional armor used in combat sports.

How much does a full suit of knight armor cost?

Authentic handcrafted full body armor ranges from $800 to $3,000+ depending on complexity, steel gauge, and customisation. Mass-produced replicas are cheaper but significantly lower in quality and authenticity. Browse our full body armor collection for current pricing.