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
![17th Century Buff Coat - Medieval Collectibles | 17th century clothing, Renaissance clothing, Medieval clothing 17th Century Buff Coat - Medieval Collectibles | 17th century clothing, Renaissance clothing, Medieval clothing](https://i.pinimg.com/474x/3d/c2/ed/3dc2ed1ac3d4fa5bf1183acf356dbfbd.jpg)
17th Century Buff Coat - Medieval Collectibles | 17th century clothing, Renaissance clothing, Medieval clothing
![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/Buff-coat-used-by-Gustavus-Adolphus-of-Sweden-at-the-Battle-of-Dirschau-August-6-1627.-Photo-Credit.jpg)