![Buff coat Mid-17th century buff coat from Littlecote House - Royal Armouries collections | 17th century clothing, Historical clothing, Arms and armour Buff coat Mid-17th century buff coat from Littlecote House - Royal Armouries collections | 17th century clothing, Historical clothing, Arms and armour](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/6f/68/49/6f68490576a259e2aa2fe6dd0a4e50fe.jpg)
Buff coat Mid-17th century buff coat from Littlecote House - Royal Armouries collections | 17th century clothing, Historical clothing, Arms and armour
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
![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](http://www.thevintagenews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2016/12/Soldier-of-the-English-Civil-War-wearing-a-buff-coat-Victorian-painting-by-John-Pettie.-Photo-Credit.jpg)