Tassets and Armor: The Key to Hip Protection

When we think of a full medieval armor, we often focus on the helmet, breastplate, or greaves. However, a crucial yet often forgotten piece is the tasset. This part of the armor played a fundamental role in protecting one of the most vulnerable areas of a warrior: the hip and upper thighs. In this article, we delve into the history, design, and evolution of tassets in armor, revealing why their innovation was so vital on the battlefield.

The tasset, also known as a plate skirt, was an essential addition to armor, especially from the 14th and 15th centuries onwards. Its design, which varied depending on era and region, had a clear objective: to protect the space between the breastplate (the chest armor) and cuisses (the plates covering the thighs). Without this piece, the groin was exposed, becoming an easy target for spears and swords.

What are Tassets in Medieval Armor?

Tassets are a component of armor attached to the lower edge of the breastplate. They consisted of a series of metal plates, generally rectangular or tile-shaped, layered to offer flexible protection. One was worn on each side of the body and they were designed to cover the upper legs and hips, a weak point in full plate armor. Their main function was to prevent the tip of a spear or the blade of a sword from piercing the fighter’s groin.

Features and Evolution in the 14th and 15th Centuries

The use of tassets became especially popular during the 14th and 15th centuries, with notable development in Italy. Initially, these pieces were relatively simple plates, but over time they became more elaborate and functional. The armor tassets of this era were attached to the breastplate with straps and buckles, allowing for some mobility. As combat techniques evolved, so too did these protective designs. By the 15th century, Gothic armor featured tassets with curved and fluted edges, a distinctive aesthetic and functional feature.

In armor for foot combat, an additional tasset was sometimes added, hanging from the fauld to protect the coccyx. However, the most interesting designs were found in equestrian armor, those used for riding horses.

Tassets for Foot Combat vs. Mounted Combat

The difference between tassets for infantry and cavalry is a clear example of specialization in armor design. In foot combat, mobility was essential, so tassets aimed for a balance between protection and flexibility.

In horse armor, tassets were almost always uneven. The right was shorter than the left, for several key reasons:

• Mobility: A shorter right tasset made it easier for the rider to mount and dismount without difficulty.
• Asymmetric protection: The left side of the rider was much more exposed to attacks from the opponent, especially in tournaments where they faced each other side-on. For this reason, the left tasset was not only longer, but often reinforced and, in some cases, consisted of a single more robust piece.

To improve the rider’s mobility, some equestrian armor tassets were made from several articulated pieces, a development that became more common in the 16th century.

Evolution of Tassets Through the Centuries

The way tassets were attached also evolved over time. Initially, they were nailed directly to the breastplate, a rather impractical method that limited movement and durability. Later, this was replaced by a system of straps, which was much more efficient and secure.

The 15th century was a turning point. Although the armor of this era often featured single-piece tassets, design was in constant evolution. In France, for example, until 1470, the four tassets of the armor (two on each side) were usually the same size, forming a “plate skirt” that covered the lower torso and the tops of the legs. Under this skirt, it was common to wear a mail shirt to provide an extra layer of protection.

During the reign of Louis XI, another innovation appeared: tassets began to be fluted, a design that followed the lines of the breastplate rim to enhance resistance and deflect blows. It wasn’t until the 16th century that multi-piece articulated armor tassets became popular, allowing superior mobility both on foot and on horseback.

The Importance of Tassets in Modern Armor

Today, tassets are highly valued items for collectors, historical reenactors, and medieval history enthusiasts. Studying them teaches us about the engineering and ingenuity of ancient armorers, who continually sought to perfect warrior protection without sacrificing mobility. From single-piece tassets to articulated versions, every design tells a story of adaptation and survival on the battlefield. Understanding the function and evolution of armor tassets allows us to appreciate full armor as a masterpiece of protection and human engineering.

If you are passionate about history and the realism of armor, we invite you to explore our selection of medieval tassets and other functional armor pieces, recreated with the utmost fidelity for collectors, LARP, and themed events.