Best Methods for Attaching Armor

[aron42486]

Hey everyone, I've used several different methods for attaching and securing armor to myself but I wanted some tips on what methods you guys use. I've tried using Velcro, elastic straps, and foam but I never get a secure attachment that I'm happy with. Any tips would be helpful.

I don't know if this is a repeat thread. If it is, please provide a link. Thanks guys

 

[weaponx82]

Can you post some pictures of the type of armor you're looking to attach? That can help give better feedback.

 

[Ttaskmaster]

Have a look at some of the decent re-enactment armour and/or even some real stuff in the museums.

Usuallly it's a combination of plates attached to a garment, or hung off/rivetted to belts and straps.

 

[Fullmetalsam]

As Ttaskmaster said - I find that the method used for "real" armor is one the best method you can use to wear armor. It's been thought and tried more than enough to be proven good

But then it always depend on which kind of armor you're referring to.
Wearing something like the Warharmmer Dark elf armor that someone posted here not so long ago is not the same thing as wearing a full Master Chief suit of armor.

I wrote a tutorial some time ago - hope it helps.

 

[Mr. No Stripes]

Can you post some pictures of the type of armor you're looking to attach? That can help give better feedback.

yes, what type of armor?

welcome to the forum BTW

 

[Trooper_trent]

for something like forearms, I put a heavy duty snap onto a wrist/sweat band, then put the other half of the snap on the inside of the forearm. slide the wrist band on, slide the forearm on, snap it on. stayed put and was comfortable.

 

[aron42486]

I am relatively new to Pepakura and fiberglassing but I am in the process of designing a Megaman X costume in 3D Studio Max and hoping to pep it. When I finally get to my construction phase I'll be needing to attach chest & shoulder armor, forearm pieces, cod piece, lower leg pieces, and shoe/boot cover.

I have never tried snaps, but if alot of people have had good results with them then I might give those a try. I'd like to try and keep my fasteners hidden.

Thanks everyone and Fullmetalsam, that tutorial was helpful. I'll post pictures of the design once I have something good enough to post.

 

[mdb]

It absolutely depends on what armour you are talking about I am looking at some Gothic plate and the buckles used for that would be inappropriate for my BH kit I am working on

Basically you have strapping and rigging to hold pieces together in a "floating" manner, so they are connected but independent (elastic has advantages but disavantages too-*bounce*). And then you'll want secure closures such as down the sides/backs of greaves and gauntlets. Possibly torso armour too.

You'll also want to look at quality and quantity. I recently gave up most of the amrour parts of my costume as I was not able to wear it comfortably. But I used both velcro and large snaps to hold it in place. The velcro allowed a little more adjustability (I could attach the CB piece up or down a cm if needed) but the snaps allowed for smaller parts to sit more securely and neatly.
The knee cops I did wind up wearing had four snaps each and I placed them in the bottom corners and only half way up my knee to allow for my knee to flex. I was able to sit and bend without the pieces popping off- which I was worried about. The snaps were glued to the armour and sewn to my body suit. Female parts on the suit male on the armour.

I would love to use magnets but given aircraft security is so very loose with phrasing- "no magnetised materials" - I don't want to risk having my travel delayed as security cscans and rescans my luggage. I find travel stressful as it is But they can make for really nice flat and secure hidden closures. Sigh.