At Sword N Armory, we offer a rich selection of body armour, all produced from the top manufacturers and made to be highly authentic. Many people come to us for their outfitting needs because of our selection and quality standards.

What to Actually Look For

If you’re shopping for body armor for the first time, there are many things you need to take into account to make the best choice. It’s about a lot more than grabbing a bunch of individual pieces that look cool enough to your eyes. Body armour is based heavily on history and tradition, and besides that, not all armor on the market is created equally.

#1: Manufacturer

Different manufacturers produce body armor, and some have better reputations than others. It is always smart to do some research on the manufacturer prior to making a purchase. Some may produce products that look great in the store, but do not end up having the quality level you were hoping for. Look for online reviews of the manufacturer and look through their website to learn more about their methods and materials to know exactly what you will be getting.

#2: Material

Speaking of materials, this is a particularly important thing to take into consideration. Body armor can be made with a surprisingly wide variety of materials, each one serving a unique purpose. Some materials are simply cheap, without any advantages, while others offer unique lightweight fits, protection against scratches, comfort, flexibility and more. Be mindful of what your priorities are when it comes to materials in terms of comfort, quality, and resilience, and choose accordingly by observing what is available on the market.

#3: Cost

It’s always good to have a budget in mind beforehand, because you would be surprised by how easy it is to impulsively buy a lot of pieces without realizing how much the costs are adding up. Now, we do have to say that if you want the really good-quality armor that is out there, you should be willing to spend a bit. The cheapest route is rarely the best option if you want something that will look good, feel good and last. However, you do not need to go crazy either. Shop around to see different price ranges and have an idea of what the right amount is to spend in order to get something that suits your particular needs.

#4: Cohesiveness

While not required, it is always important to go with historical cohesiveness. Making a patchwork of different styles of armor from different eras and regions does not create a cohesive look, and it may not be practical due to different pieces of armor overlapping as a result of not being produced in a complementary fashion. This is why we encourage you, if you have not already, to research body armor to fully understand which style appeals to you, and which pieces go together in the historical sense. This is especially important if you are engaging in any type of reenactment. Through the process of research, you will gain an appreciation for armor in terms of its historical context, which will help you feel more connected to the armor by the time it arrives at your home.

#5: Fit

Of course, fit is an important factor as well. Not only do you want to make sure that the pieces fit properly according to your measurements, but also that they fit comfortably. Higher-quality armor is made to be comfortable, with less risk of edges being abrasive against the skin. But still, you will want to make sure the measurements are correct, and that you consider the materials so that they are not so heavy on the skin that they actually cause discomfort by the end of the day.

#6: Accuracy

Historical accuracy varies between pieces, and it is always good to choose armor that’s as accurate as possible as this greatly increases its value. This is another time when research comes in handy. Get to know the intricate details of historical armor to be able to spot an inaccurate representation right away. Know if there are certain designs or techniques that are still used today to keep the accuracy as high as possible. Most of us who gravitate toward armor do so because of its history, and so you will want to pay extra attention in this department. You’d be surprised by how many known manufacturers produce armor that is missing key historical details.

#7: Outfit and Accessories

You’ll want to consider how many pieces you need, and whether or not you wish to buy accessories as well. You may just want a helmet, or an entire outfit from head to toe, complete with a sword and shield, and other accessories. Body armor is extensive in terms of the pieces that are available, and almost always, each piece is sold separately. Think ahead of time which pieces you want to purchase to complete your look, and make room in your budget for each.

Of course, you don’t need to buy all of your items at once. For instance, many do start with a simple helmet, and slowly add more pieces along the way as their budget allows.

#8: Storage

When shopping for armor, ask yourself whether or not you have the means to store it properly. You may splurge on a ton of body armor, only to realize it’s all going to have to get thrown into the corner of your garage, where it can become damaged due to weather and other objects brushing up against it. If you don’t have the means to store armor properly, in a temperature-controlled area where pests and moisture don’t pose any threats, then you’ll need to reconsider your buying choices. If you can only fit a few pieces in a storage area, buy just a few pieces. As time goes on, you may be able to move things around in your home to make room for more.

#9: Durability

Durability is a factor that is often underrated. The materials, combined with the overall construction, determine how resilient the armor is, and how long it will last. Cheaper materials can degrade quickly due to subtle changes in environment, and can scratch more easily, not to mention warp with temperature changes. You want durable pieces so that they can last you for a long time, because replacing armor regularly just isn’t practical. You also want to make sure that your armor can handle whatever you plan on using it for, whether it be reenactments or a display in a room in your home, where heavy foot traffic takes place.

#10: Your Goals

Finally, ask yourself what your goals are with your armor. Are you looking to display an outfit on a stand for your friends to see when they come over? Or are you planning on attending reenactments around the calendar year, where historical accuracy is even more important, and that armor will be getting a lot of use? Knowing what you plan to do with your body armor has a lot to do with what you should buy. If you plan on using the armor, durability is a must. If you plan on displaying it, some ornamental details can go a long way. There is a lot of body armor out there, and not all of it is intended to get the same level of regular usage.

Choose the Right Armour that Meets Your Needs

Body armor can be an enormously rewarding hobby that combines your love for dressing up with your appreciation for history. But not all body armor is equally deserving of your consideration. Make careful choices based on your needs as well as quality, and you will end up with the perfect pieces for your collection.