Buff Coat

By Crusader1307

Developed in the 16th Century, Buff Coats were made of Ox hide (cured and treated by hand and by chemical treatment methods). Thick, Buff Coats provided limited protection against slashes from various bladed weapons. Featuring an extended “front and back” tail or skirt, they were a characteristic yellow or tan coloring due to the curing treatment. Popular for use by English Cavalrymen during The English Civil War Period, they gradually replaced the more bulkier full Chest Armor. Often, Chain Mail was worn underneath (or incorporated over it). Buff Coats were not effective against bullets (but could stop a “spent” round.