History

Chainmaille (chain mail) or simply maille (mail); is an ancient form of armor traditionally made using interlocking rings of steel. Traditionally, in European culture, the wire is rolled into a ring shape with overlapping edges (similar to how a key-ring overlaps). The rings are hammered flat and a hole is punched in the overlap. A rivet is then set in the hole to close the ring. In some armor, such as the early Roman Lorica Hamata, solid rings are punched out of sheets of metal to use in alternating rows with riveted chainmaille (Pictured Right). Samples of maille go back as far as the Etruscans, over 3000 years ago; closely resembling what we now refer to as Japanese patterns. The origins and history of maille is somewhat unclear, however around the 2nd Century B.C. the Gauls were found to have worn the first known examples of European patterned maille which is the most commonly recognized chainmaille weave.

Today, chainmaille is used for many applications. New weaves are being invented every day with hundreds already in existence. Modern maille is most commonly used for jewelry, film costuming, and historical replication. Chainmaille is also used in industrial and safety applications such as decorative installations, shark suits, and butcher gloves. For a good example of this; check out www.mailletec.com.