Armor straps & lenders

Lendenier

The lendenier was an important part of the equipment of both knights and infantrymen in the Middle Ages. This belt – often made of sturdy leather – was worn around the hips and served as a fastening point for various parts of the leg armor. In a time when armor became increasingly heavier and more complex, the lendenier ensured that weight distribution and freedom of movement remained optimal.

Attaching armor to the lendenier

When wearing cuisses, poleyns, schynbalds, greaves or even a chainmail shirt, it was necessary to secure these parts well so that they could not shift during combat. The lendenier provided a stable basic for this. Leather laces or straps were used to attach the individual armor plates to the belt. Especially in the 13th and 14th centuries, when leg armor first consisted of separate plates and mail, this was an indispensable method.

Also under textile protection, such as the gambeson or gambeson, leg pieces were often attached to the lendenier. In many illuminated sources, it is shown that knights and soldiers wore multiple belts to support different parts of the armour. The lendenier prevented the weight from resting entirely on the shoulders, which offered a significant advantage during long battles.

With mail shirts, the lendenier was also important. A chainmail shirt could weigh several kilos and tended to pull downwards. By securely fastening the lendenier, the weight was better distributed over the body, and the mail armor was kept stable, giving the wearer more freedom of movement and reducing chafing.

Today, the lendenier remains a practical tool for reenactment, LARP, and museum-worthy reconstructions. At Celtic WebMerchant, you will find historical belts and accessories that fully fit within authentic medieval equipment.