Leather armor was worn by warriors during the Medieval Period and Viking Era for battle, but it wasn’t commonly worn by women. Now women can choose female leather armor for costume or cosplay and show off their skills. I researched and will share what I learned about female leather armor and its many styles.
Female leather armor is a protective leather body covering made to fit a woman’s body. The garments are hand-crafted and beautifully styled with pieces for every woman. Costs range from $12 per piece to $3,185 for a full set. Female leather armor is good for fashion statements and cosplay.
Are you wondering how a female leather armor piece could add to your fashion statement collection? Did you know there are female leather armor styles for many different tastes? Let’s explore the options for female leather armor.
What Is Female Leather Armor?
Female leather armor is a protective garment made to fit a woman’s body. It is similar to men’s leather armor but slightly smaller, lighter, and shapely to fit women’s curves. Female leather armor was rarely found in history but can be found now at cosplay and costume stores and from leather crafters.
What We’ll Explore
- Clearing up Myths & Misconceptions
- The History of Female Leather Armor
- Why You Might Like Female Leather Armor
- Female Leather Armor Overview Table
- Popular Types and Styles of Female Leather Armor
- Common Female Leather Armor Characteristics
- Female Leather Armor Costs
- Pros of Female Leather Armor
- Cons of Female Leather Armor
- Female Leather Armor Manufacturing Process – How They’re Made
- Experienced Tips for Choosing Female Leather Armor
- My Personal Research with Female Leather Armor
- Female Leather Armor Care and Maintenance
- Helpful Insights on Female Leather Armor
- Key Takeaways
Clearing Up Myths & Misconceptions
One myth about female leather armor is that it existed in medieval times. This is untrue because only men were allowed in battle, although there are paintings of some female royalty and warriors wearing armor. Another myth is that studded leather armor was worn in battle when it only actually exists in Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition.
The History of Female Leather Armor
Leather armor dates back to the 15th century and is known as brigandine armor. It was made of leather with inner studs to hold metal plates on the outside for protection and sturdiness. There weren’t many medieval heroines other than Joan of Arc, who probably wore leather armor that was of a smaller size.
According to graduate student Nancey Fang, women warriors have fought in battle with men, and although this was rare, they wore similar armor for protection. It wasn’t until the 1970s that leather manufacturers started making female leather armor for costumes and cosplay.
Why You Might Like Female Leather Armor
Female leather armor is beautifully hand-crafted, comes in several different styles, and has many pieces to choose from. There are pieces to cover arms, shoulders, torso, waist, and legs with options for plain or embossed leather.
There are lace-up corsets that can accentuate the waist that can be worn with a t-shirt and jeans. There are pauldrons for one or both shoulders that are really something to admire. Whether for cosplay or to make a fashion statement, female leather armor is truly stylish.
Female Leather Armor Overview Table
| Female Leather Armor Characteristic | Details |
| Item | Female Leather Armor |
| Uses | Cosplay, costume, fashion accent |
| Common Materials | Leather, faux leather |
| Popular Colors | Brown, black |
| Sizes | XS–XXL |
| Popular Styles | Fantasy, rogue, medieval, practical |
| Cost Range ($) | $12–$3,185 |
| How Long it Lasts (on average) | 10–20 years |
Popular Types and Styles of Female Leather Armor
Several styles of female leather armor are quite popular in the cosplay community. The fantasy style looks rugged and sturdy with a feminine touch. Then there’s rogue, which is stylish and fun with curve-accentuating pieces. Medieval is much like the armor seen in paintings and on men, which is historical but for the female body.
Then there’s practical female leather armor that fits comfortably and looks nice but is more flexible and showier rather than protective. Different types of female leather armor include all the pieces, from bracers to corsets and complete armor sets.
Female leather armor is good for everything from cosplay to making a fashion statement.
Check out this helpful video from Drawbridge Props & Armoury to see how a female leather breastplate is made.
Common Female Leather Armor Characteristics
Materials
Most female leather armor is made almost entirely out of leather or faux leather with metal accents like studs and buckles.
Sizes
Female leather armor is sized XS–XXL, with some pieces measured by bust and waist for a more fitted look.
Variations
Few variations of female leather armor, from black with gold thread to all brown, exist. Some have intricate carvings or embossments, or layers of leather. Some are held together with studs, while others are laced with leather strips.
Key Uses
Female leather armor is often used for cosplay, costumes, and battle reenactments. Standalone pieces can be worn as fashion statements.
Female Leather Armor Costs
Female leather armor ranges from $12 for a single shoulder piece to $3,185 for a complete set of hand-crafted leather armor with all the bells and whistles. The price is generally determined by the amount of leather used and the intricacy of the design.
Pros of Female Leather Armor
Female leather armor is protective against knife slashes and blows while being flexible and allowing movement for battle. It is lightweight, accents the curves, and is quite stylish. With proper care, it can last up to 20 years.
Cons of Female Leather Armor
Female leather armor is sturdy but does not have the highest level of protection. Getting some pieces on and off can also be challenging, as they are made with laces and buckles. The parts can also get expensive unless one chooses simpler designs or faux leather.
Female Leather Armor Manufacturing Process – How They’re Made
Making the leather begins the manufacturing process for female leather armor. Animal hide is tanned and processed to make the material durable and flexible. It is then trimmed to form rolls and shipped to leather manufacturers and crafters. Leather crafters cut the leather into shapes. Then, sewn or bolted accessories and embossments are added, and it’s ready for consumers.
Experienced Tips for Choosing Female Leather Armor
Frequency of Use
When choosing female leather armor, consider how often the pieces or set will be worn. If the armor will be worn for cosplay or regular battle reenactments, select pieces that are well-made and high quality. This way, they will be more durable and last with regular use.
Environment/Conditions of Use
Considering the environment for wearing female leather armor is important when choosing a set. If it will be worn outside and exposed to moisture, choose female leather armor that is high quality and durable to withstand the elements. Consider protected leather for regular rain exposure.
Cost
Cost can be prohibitive for some looking for female leather armor. If the armor will be worn regularly, choose a high-quality piece or set that costs a bit more because it will be durable and not need frequent replacing. For less frequent use, opt for faux leather or a cheaper option.
Trends
Leather armor is very stylish and never really goes out of style, so unless a movie comes out that features this, there shouldn’t be a problem finding the perfect set.
Personal Preference
Personal preference should always be considered when choosing female leather armor because one wants to find a set they like. It could be a certain type of embossing or symbol that relates to family or something interesting, or it could be the color or style of fit.
My Personal Research with Female Leather Armor
Female leather armor comes in several pieces with various designs, patterns, embossments, and more. Faux leather is also available as a more affordable option, but how much can one expect to spend on female leather armor? I researched the price ranges for pieces and sets to give an idea of what to expect.
| Female Leather Armor Piece | Price |
| Bracer | $6 single–$350 pair |
| Cuirass | $18–$750 |
| Pauldrons | $10 single–$950 pair |
| Corset | $15–$850 |
| Spaulders | $12 single–$537 pair |
| Greaves | $22–430 pair |
| Full set | $593–$3,185 |
Female Leather Armor Care and Maintenance
How to Clean Female Leather Armor
Female leather armor can be cleaned with a soft-bristled brush, cloth, or leather cleaner. Use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt, and avoid getting the leather too wet. Follow any manufacturer’s instructions for leather cleaner and test in an inconspicuous area first for colorfastness.
How to Maintain Female Leather Armor
Female leather armor should be cleaned and conditioned regularly. Avoid temperature extremes and direct sunlight to prevent drying out and cracking of the leather.
How to Store Female Leather Armor
Female leather armor must be stored in a cool, dry area out of direct sunlight. Take it out every few months to clean and condition the leather, so it stays looking great.
Helpful Insights on Female Leather Armor
What is female studded leather armor?
Female studded leather armor is armor created from leather and covered in metal studs for protection. It may not have existed historically, but it is made now to wear for costumes or cosplay. This type of armor is molded to fit a woman’s body, making it slightly smaller, lighter, and shapely than men’s leather armor.
What is female black leather armor?
Female black leather armor is armor made from black leather pieces. It is designed to protect the wearer in battle and to have a striking color.
What is a female leather armor pattern?
A female leather armor pattern is the design used for creating armor for a woman’s body. It consists of several pieces that pattern the front, sides, and back of female leather armor that is cut out and sewn or studded together.
Key Takeaways
- Female leather armor is similar to men’s leather armor but more form fitted.
- Female leather armor is good for everything from cosplay to making a fashion statement.
- Female leather armor comes in many different styles for every taste.
In Closing
Just when one thought there was no use for female leather armor in fashion, now one can see how stylish it can be. Female leather armor isn’t just for cosplay — anyone can make a statement with a single pauldron or corset. There are so many different pieces and options — which one will you try first?
Other Resources:
- Leather Apron – What to Look For and When to Use Them
- The Leather Armor Guide to Styles, Weight, Options, and Fit
- Studded Leather Armor – Its History, Styles, and Uses
- Leather Armor 5e – Effective Choices, Costs, and Classes
- Viking Leather Armor – The History, Styles, and Appeal
- Leather Jerkin – Characteristics of This Classic Clothing