Chainmail was one of the earliest and best forms of defensive wear to appear. The Romans are credited with its invention though it was also worn by the Mongols around the same era.

It was a modification of ringmail armor. Tiny links of chain were woven together individually in a time consuming process until a full garment was constructed. To add protection to the head and neck, the coiffe became popular. It was a hood made completely of chainmail and even when the style gave way to platemail, the coiffe was still worn.

Even after platemail became the dominant armor, it was not unusual for chainmail to be worn under common garments. Kings, lords and nobles were often the targets and victims of assassins. On more than one occassion chainmail worn under a tunic or vest stopped a murderer's dagger.