I need help describing chain-mail armor. It is in the first person point of view and I'm having trouble with it, I feel too technical when I just want to add a little detail so the readers know what I'm wearing.
I would suggest describing armor details when it's necessary. Since it's in first person view, have the character describe their armor either when they first get it or when they need to remove it. Otherwise, the reader would know it's chain-mail armor when the character drops the term. Don't add unnecessary details when a few words can get the point across. My two cents.
https://www.google.ca/search?q=medieval+armour+chain+mail&client=firefox-b-ab&dcr=0&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi3sIT7q4PaAhVO3mMKHdu5D8cQsAQIOg&biw=1360&bih=603 Look at it. You'll have donned your linen shift or shirt, then a wool or felt padding, then the chain mail. It's heavy, but doesn't feel cold on your skin. It's flexible, but not stretchy, so you feel a bit confined and lifting your arms is a noticeable effort. You may need help with the coif. Most models have half- or three-quarter sleeves, so your wrists and hands are still free.
There's really not a lot to describe when it comes to chainmail. Just say the character's wearing it.
What kind of detail? It's basically a tunic made of interlocking metal ringlets. Cowl optional. Where are you looking to add detail?
For more detail, consider origin and period for different styles. For example, it could be circular or oblong links, or discs attached by wires, or really upscale filigree. How long? What shape sleeves, if any? Then consider age and condition: Is it new and shiny? Rusty and worn, unravelling at the edges, bent or missing rings? Poorly repaired in a different colour of metal? Cleaned and oiled? Pick a suit and describe it.
It seems pretty straight forward, metal rings riveted together to make a shirt/gauntlets/coif. Cheeper than paying for full plate armor in the Medieval Ages. Also it is pretty good armor considering that the closer knit the rings are, the better defense you have against swords/polearms/axes/arrows. But just like plate, you will get your ass beaten to a soup by hammers/flails/maces/staves, and guys who half-sword. And scale mail (which might cost more in time period), would be an in-between reg-mail and plate. Also better than chainmail simply by being a bunch of small layered plates that offer more defense and still allow maneuverability.
George Martin has detailed description of armor in his works, too detailed sometimes, I feel. From his works, I learned the English word 'hauberk' for example. There are many ways to be creative when describing armor. Mention some detail which makes the armor stand apart and something that the reader will remember. You don't have to be too technical as readers usually don't like too many details unless it's really important and related to the story.
This is really a good point. What is your intended audience? Consider the level of detail and information that they need/want.
Sir Rupert marched upon the muddy field in a distinguished manner. His Dragon Iron mail stood out in the dim light of the shrouded sun. Rubies and other gems glistened with the moisture, as he raised his mighty sword the Bad-Man-Cleaver. Giving a mighty roar he swung it ferociously, and the weight of it threw his 85 pound frame around. Sir Rupert went for style over function.
Best place to start is to not call it "chain mail" It's just "mail" or "maille." Why do you feel it necessary to add more detail other than the fact that the character wears mail though? most people would know what it is.
