japanese armor works somewhat differently from rigid armor like plate armor or linen cuirass. Japanese armor often consists of individual lacquared tiles that maybe semi-rigid, but that are hold in place by a elastic webwork of cords. So the energy of the impact is absorbed over a large area. The airspace behind the armor probably allow the surface layer to move back and stretch the cords without bruising the flesh behind it.
Silk can also be woven very tightly, to the point where just a handful of layers of silk can present a waterproof and airtight barrier. So silk probably works even better than linen if glued into little plates.
Silk can also be woven very tightly, to the point where just a handful of layers of silk can present a waterproof and airtight barrier. So silk probably works even better than linen if glued into little plates.
