Armor Type:  Thigh Armor

Brief Description:  Cuisses are specialized pieces of medieval plate armor designed to protect a knight's thighs. Ranging from 1.5 to 4 pounds per pair, they are crafted from shaped iron or steel. They were typically attached directly to a padded doublet using leather straps or worn over chainmail to defend against upward thrusts and sword strikes. Throughout the medieval period, cuisses evolved to balance maximum protection with mounted mobility.

Material Evolution: Knights in the 12th and 13th centuries wore padded or hardened-leather gamboised cuisses. By the 15th century, they had transitioned to fully articulated steel plates that followed the natural contour of the thigh.

Coverage Variations: European cavalry styles typically left the vulnerable back of the thigh unarmored (or covered only in leather) to maintain a tactile grip on the horse. In contrast, English styles—which were favored for foot combat—featured entirely encapsulating tubular steel.

Specialized Features: Cuisses often featured medial ridges for structural strength and "stop-ribs" (projecting ridges) near the groin to deflect enemy blades away from the hips and torso. The upper edges were frequently extended higher on the outer leg for better hip coverage.