Chainmail armor, a series of small, metal (usually steel) rings interwoven into a web of protective armor, was common throughout the Medieval time period. Chainmail was typically made as a shirt to protect the torso, though mail armor was also created to protect the arms, neck and legs. The main advantage of chainmail was that it allowed the wearer to maneuver in battle, and it provided the best protection against arrows and slashing swords. Chainmail's key weakness was blunt attacks, such as those from an axe. Helmets included the sallet, a hard, metal cap with a wide opening near the mouth.
The late 13th century saw the introduction of plate armor, or sections of flattened or rounded metal appended to chainmail armor in joint areas such as the elbow, knee and wrist. Helmets of this era often included a visor for the mouth area that the wearer could open and close as needed.
As weaponry advanced, platemail eventually took over as the main form of protection. Entire plate suits took over, while chainmail was used to allow motility in the joint areas of the suit. Horses were also outfitted with plate armor, although to a lesser extent to allow movement. Closed helmets, or those with a grill or eye slits to allow sight, were the norm.
Burgonets were the helm of choice in the late Medieval era. These open-faced helmets often included decorative crests that extended across the top. While platemail generally remained the norm, regional preferences saw small differences in the uses of platemail, including the use of leather armor underneath the heavy metal armor.