This is a friday post that follows up this link, about the bizarre poses often found on fantasy covers: http://www.jimchines.com/2012/01/striking-a-pose/.

In this post, Ryan analyses practical armour and compares this to some of the frankly ridiculous images in fantasy art.

Why does my opinion matter? I’m an armorer. I make actual armor that people wear when they hit each other with swords. When making armor I have to strike a balance between comfort, protection, range of motion, and appearance. My experience has made me more than a little opinionated on the subject of fantasy armor.

I intend to set the internet straight. See below for how to do it wrong, how to do it right, and why you might care.

Read the detailed analysis here: madartlab.com/2011/12/14/fantasy-armor-and-lady-bits/