Mail armor was the main type of armor in Europe up to the 15th century. This was mainly due to the fall of the Roman Empire and the ability to manufacture large sheets of metal being lost with it. The iron mail haubrek used by Roman calvary, and non-Romans alike, was easy to manufacture and offered excellent protection. The Romans are believed to have discovered mail from the Celts, who possibly invented it around 300 BC. This isn't to say mail did not exist prior to this time frame with early versions possibly made using soft metals such as copper and bronze. Mail was further enhanced by adding leather and small plates to it. As armor smithing progressed, mail found continued use by protecting the vunerable joints of plate amor. Other types of armor used during this period would have included padded cloth, leathers, and brigadine armors made by local smiths.

 

European mail was generally made using the 4-in-1 weave and would have been riveted mail. However, I believe butted mail would still have been used as a cheaper alternative while still offering protection against bladed weapons. Evidence of butted mail used as armor exist in India and Japan. Indian butted mail was used in the 18th-19th century, when firearms replaced archers on the battlefield and the primary use became protection from cuts and thrusts. Japanese butted mail consisted of unique weaves and rings made of double loops like a mordern keyring.

 

However, for modern reproductions made with modern steel, butted mail will suffice for reenactment or costume.