Why did soldiers in the XVII century use buff coats (leather armour) instead of gambeson (padded armour)? Many people claim gambesons are cheaper and at least as protective. - Quora
![Body armor, Buff Coat, 16th century - PICRYL - Public Domain Media Search Engine Public Domain Search Body armor, Buff Coat, 16th century - PICRYL - Public Domain Media Search Engine Public Domain Search](https://cdn2.picryl.com/photo/1600/01/01/buff-coat-7fe5ba-1024.jpg)
Body armor, Buff Coat, 16th century - PICRYL - Public Domain Media Search Engine Public Domain Search
![Royal Armouries on Twitter: "Buff coat, English,about 1650 currently on loan to Musée de l'Armée. More about our loans here http://t.co/0IVKmDu5e1 http://t.co/VNzcOvCNnm" / Twitter Royal Armouries on Twitter: "Buff coat, English,about 1650 currently on loan to Musée de l'Armée. More about our loans here http://t.co/0IVKmDu5e1 http://t.co/VNzcOvCNnm" / Twitter](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BkTdF6sCIAABICw.jpg)
Royal Armouries on Twitter: "Buff coat, English,about 1650 currently on loan to Musée de l'Armée. More about our loans here http://t.co/0IVKmDu5e1 http://t.co/VNzcOvCNnm" / Twitter
![Pin de Worldantiques Antiques en European armored clothing and related items. | Moda del siglo 17, Ropa histórica, Paño Pin de Worldantiques Antiques en European armored clothing and related items. | Moda del siglo 17, Ropa histórica, Paño](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d9/0c/69/d90c69892f874e7357f2c4f5201d7463.jpg)
Pin de Worldantiques Antiques en European armored clothing and related items. | Moda del siglo 17, Ropa histórica, Paño
Armor attributed to Richard Holden | Harquebusier's Armor of Pedro II, King of Portugal (reigned 1683–1706) with Buff Coat | British, London; buff coat, European | The Metropolitan Museum of Art
![Buff coats, worn under armor by cavalry and officers, could stop a sword cut or even a musket or pistol balls Buff coats, worn under armor by cavalry and officers, could stop a sword cut or even a musket or pistol balls](https://www.thevintagenews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2016/12/lead-856.jpg)