A steel suit is pretty set as to who can wear it. They were fitted at the shop by the armourer (the best were in Norther Italy and Southern Germany). There is only so much give in these suits. The decorative things we see in museums are thin and for show. They would have been gilt, as well as jewel encrusted for pomp and circumstance. War armour was plain, and had a medium thickness, so to not be too heavy nor too weak. Jousting armour was thick and heavy, but meant for jousting and the impact of two charging horses. These armours are recreated today by skilled smiths who have studied what little evidence we have via excavations (like the Wisby find), museum pieces, and the artwork of the middle ages. If anyone is interested in links PM me, I'd be happy to point out some nice sites/books.
Cheers,
CSG
(Who has his own hot, heavy, steel suit at home)
There is only so much give in these suits. True, but still more range than most people expect.
The decorative things we see in museums are thin and for show. They would have been gilt, as well as jewel encrusted for pomp and circumstance.
There is highly decorated parade armor, but there also is the heavily fluted Maximillian plate armor that was both practical, and of lighter weight.
War armour was plain, and had a medium thickness, so to not be too heavy nor too weak. Jousting armour was thick and heavy, but meant for jousting and the impact of two charging horses.
Many people see these suits, and think they were typical, as opposed to the munitions grade stuff worn in battle. Less of the battle stuff is around in museums, compared to the jousting and tourney stuff.
(Who has his own hot, heavy, steel suit at home)
As do I. I suspect for the same reason.;^)