Subarmalis – Roman “vest” under the armor

Roman legionaries wore under armour (lorica hamata, lorica segmentata, lorica squamata or lorica plumata) so-called subarmalis – quilted vest. The main task of subarmalis was to absorb shocks and prevent rubbing and dirt. Subarmalis covered the chest and reached the hips.

Subarmalis was made of linen, consisting of several layers, interleaved with a layer of wool. The empty space between the armor pieces and the material allowed to protect the body from blunt force trauma. The vest was made of a thick layer of material, so the legionnaire was very warm.

Sometimes the top layer of subarmalis was leather.