Chain Mail is a sophisticated form of armour. It was the first armour to be totally flexible and did not impede movement. It is made of rings of metal linked together to form a sheet of armour that moved like cloth. It was made into shirts to be worn over clothing. A layer of leather or padded linen can be worn under it to provided extra protection and comfort.

The Romans admit that chain mail is a Celtic invention, and in Britain there are finds from 500BC.