Faulds & Tassets

What Are Faulds and Tassets?

Faulds and tassets are the armour pieces that protect your waist, hips, and the top of your thighs. A fauld is made from overlapping plates attached to the bottom of a breastplate, forming a kind of steel skirt. Tassets hang from the fauld or belt and swing over your thighs.

Together they cover the vulnerable area between torso and legs. Historically, they helped knights survive the battlefield. In LARP or cosplay, they make your armour look complete while staying practical to wear for hours at a time.

Why Add Them to Your LARP Kit?

A breastplate on its own looks strong, but it also leaves an obvious gap. Adding faulds or tassets finishes the look and fills that space where blows often land.

They bring a lot to your kit:

A more authentic silhouette — you look fully armoured, not half-done.
Extra coverage — protection where sword cuts and arrows tend to hit.
Better balance — the weight of your kit is spread out more evenly.
Stage presence — you move and look like a complete warrior.

That’s why they’re often the step that turns “basic armour” into a full impression.

Where Do They Come From Historically?

Faulds and tassets appeared in Europe as armour moved from mail to plate.

14th century: early smiths attached curved lames to breastplates, giving knights hip protection.
15th century: Gothic styles added segmented faulds with decorative fluting and paired them with tassets.
16th century: tassets grew longer, almost to the knee, as armour adapted to pikes and firearms.

So when you wear them today, you’re echoing centuries of armour design — whether you’re going for historical feel or fantasy flair.

What Features Should You Look For?

The main things that matter are the build, the fittings, and the finish.

Steel construction — most use 1 mm mild steel, solid but not too heavy.
Straps and buckles — these attach securely to your breastplate or belt.
Design choice — segmented faulds give more flex, solid plates look bold and knightly.
Finish — polished for shine, darkened for grit, or decorated for noble looks.

These details shape not only how the armour looks, but also how it feels after a day of combat or performance.

Do They Limit Movement?

Surprisingly, not much. Faulds and tassets are built to move with you. The plates flex when you crouch, twist, or kneel, and tassets swing with your stride. Compared to full leg armour, they’re lighter and less restrictive, which makes them easier to wear all day.

The result: you get coverage and presence, without losing the ability to fight, run, or perform.

Should You Wear Faulds, Tassets, or Both?

It depends on what you need.

Faulds only: lighter, good for covering the waist and hips.
Tassets only: a simple way to add thigh protection.
Both together: the full knightly look with complete coverage.

There’s no single “right” setup. It’s about comfort, your role, and the story you want your armour to tell.

What Styles Can You Choose From?

Our collection includes a range of looks to fit different characters:

Plain infantry styles for a straightforward soldier’s kit.
Gothic plates with curves and fluting, perfect for a noble knight.
Hourglass shapes inspired by 14th-century designs.
Brigandine-like pieces with riveted sections for mercenary or guard roles.
Fantasy versions with ridges, dark metal, or bold ornamentation.

Each style shifts your character’s impression — from disciplined knight to ruthless sellsword.

How Do They Fit Into a Full Harness?

Faulds and tassets link naturally with the rest of your armour. A breastplate looks more finished when faulds extend down from it. A backplate balances the weight. With gorgets, pauldrons, and greaves, you’ve got a full knightly harness.

The modular design means you can build step by step. Start with a breastplate, add faulds later, and complete the look with tassets when you’re ready.

How Epic Armoury Builds Them

Every set of faulds and tassets in our range is made for event use. That means:

Strong steel plates shaped for durability.
Secure straps and buckles that keep them in place.
Contoured design so you can move without feeling boxed in.
Finishes that hold up to close-up inspection and stage lights alike.

They’re built to feel sturdy and look convincing, without becoming a burden during long weekends of play.

How Do You Take Care of Them?

Keeping faulds and tassets in good condition is straightforward:

Wipe them clean after use to remove dirt and sweat.
Store them dry to avoid rust.
Add a thin coat of oil if you’re putting them away for longer.
Check straps and rivets before each event.

Pairing them with a padded gambeson or belt also improves comfort and helps them sit right.

Who Do They Suit Best?

Faulds and tassets aren’t only for knights.

Knights and nobles use them to complete the iconic harness.
Mercenaries and guards wear simpler versions for mobility.
Fantasy characters can pick dramatic styles that break from history.
Stage performers get strong visuals without too much added weight.

If you want your kit to look finished and carry more authority, these are often the missing link.

Final Thoughts

Faulds and tassets do more than protect. They complete the line of your armour and give you the presence of a fully armoured fighter. Without them, a kit can feel unfinished. With them, you look and move like someone straight out of the late medieval battlefield — or a fantasy epic.

Whether you want historical accuracy or a dramatic fantasy style, these pieces bridge the gap between torso and legs in both form and function.

Explore Epic Armoury’s faulds and tassets — and see how they transform your kit from strong to complete.