Chainmaille in the Steampunk World

Woman in a Steampunk world wearing bronze-colored chainmaille with matching dragon-scale accents, surrounded by warm industrial lighting.

We’ve been told more than once that “chainmaille has no place in the Steampunk realm.”

That line usually comes right after we’ve been encouraged to apply by Steampunk cosplayers who love our work — and right before we’re rejected by the event organizers.

We’ve heard similar things from Renaissance Fairs, too. Our colors aren’t “period enough,” our booth looks “too modern,” and sometimes we don’t even get a reply. After a while, we stopped applying.

And honestly, we don’t blame them.

Woman in a Steampunk world wearing dark grey chainmaille with matching serpent-scale accents, surrounded by warm industrial lighting.

Event organizers have every right to curate the atmosphere they want. They’re building a world for their attendees, and if they don’t think we fit, that’s their call.

But when you can see the vision — when you know exactly how your art could elevate that world — it stings.

Woman in a Steampunk world wearing dark grey chainmaille with matching dragon-scale accents, surrounded by warm industrial lighting.

Customers constantly tell us, “You’d sell like crazy at (insert realm here) fair!” and we have to explain why we aren’t able to participate. We reassure them that it’s okay, that the organizers are simply shaping a specific aesthetic, and that we respect that.

That’s why we’ve chosen to categorize ourselves simply as Art.

And that’s why we show exclusively at the Maker’s Faire in Poulsbo each June.

It’s a space that celebrates unique, handcrafted work. We’re grateful to be there, and we do incredibly well. The people, the energy, the creativity — it’s a joy every year.

Woman in a Steampunk world wearing olive green chainmaille with matching dragon-scale accents, surrounded by warm industrial lighting.

But still…

We know that people who LARP or cosplay in Medieval, Viking, and even Victorian realms love our pieces.  

That’s why the comment — “chainmaille has no place in Steampunk” — really stuck with us.

So we decided to test that belief.

With the help of our AI collaborator, we set out to visualize what we’ve always known:

Chainmaille absolutely belongs in the Steampunk world.

It’s bold. It’s inventive. It’s mechanical. It’s metalwork. It’s everything Steampunk celebrates.

And now, we want to show you.

These are the photorealistic Steampunk images created using our actual chainmaille designs — proof that the realm is bigger, richer, and more imaginative than the gatekeepers believed.

To see these designs, and others, in various Realms, check out our Cosplay Gallery

Alchemy

Woman in a Steampunk world wearing olive green chainmaille with matching dragon-scale accents, surrounded by warm industrial lighting.

Discover the Power of Olive with

Alchemy

One design. Infinite realms.

This handcrafted olive green chainmaille, accented with matching textured dragon-scales, is more than armor — it’s a monochrome legend. Viking, Steampunk, Medieval, Fantasy or simply wearing it to a cafe, you’ll definitely make a statement.  

Why Olive Green?

  • Earthy yet bold — pairs beautifully with fur, leather, linen, and brass
  • Photogenic in any light — from misty fjords to sunlit castle stones
  • Versatile for cosplay, LARP, photoshoots, or everyday wear

This piece is crafted in the classic European 4-in-1 weave, with hammered scale accents that shimmer like dragonhide. It’s lightweight, flexible, and designed to move with you — whether you’re posing for a portrait or charging into your next adventure.

This design is perfect for cosplay, photoshoots, LARP, or everyday wear with a legendary twist. Its olive tone complements earth tones, metallics, and deep jewel hues — making it a versatile foundation for countless characters and stories.

To see more, visit our Cosplay Gallery

Ragnarok

European 4‑in‑1 chainmaille with Frost rings, red serpent scales, and red fur shoulders in a fantasy landscape.”

Where timeless craft meets modern legend.

In the heart of every fantasy realm, there is a moment when a character steps forward — not yet a hero, not yet a myth, but something on the cusp of becoming both. This look captures that moment. Woven from Frost rings, edged in red serpent scales, and crowned with fur as vivid as embers, this chainmaille piece transforms any wearer into a figure worthy of legend.

Whether your world is shaped by ancient forests, arcane ruins, or moonlit battlegrounds, this design invites you to step into the story.

The Craft Behind the Legend

This piece is built in the classic European 4‑in‑1 weave, a pattern with centuries of history behind it. Each Frost ring interlocks with precision, creating a fabric of metal that moves with the body while maintaining its iconic armor silhouette.

Key Materials

Frost rings — cool-toned, bright, and reflective, perfect for fantasy settings.

Red serpent scales — arranged in a V‑shaped collar and a central vertical line, evoking dragonhide, enchanted runes, or royal insignia.

Red fur shoulders — soft, dramatic, and reminiscent of winter cloaks, noble garb, or battle regalia.

This combination of textures — metal, scale, and fur — creates a layered visual story that feels both ancient and otherworldly.

Cosplay, LARP, and Everyday Legend

One of the strengths of this design is its adaptability. It photographs beautifully in natural light, works seamlessly for conventions or LARP events, and can even be styled for everyday wear with a minimalist black outfit.

Where It Shines

Fantasy photoshoots

Ren-Faire adventures

Character‑driven LARP campaigns

Cosplay meetups

Themed events or festivals

See more looks in our Cosplay Gallery

Lavender for Days

Lavender isn’t just soft—it’s powerful. Paired with silver spikes, this chainmaille necklace becomes a statement of contrast: gentle hues and bold edges, woven into a piece that moves effortlessly between streetwear grit and evening glamour. Let’s explore how this necklace transforms across four modern looks.

Casual Lunch: Soft Strength  

In a scoop-neck dark gray top and sunlit patio, the lavender rings shimmer with quiet confidence. The silver spikes add movement and edge, making this look perfect for weekend outings or creative meetups.

*Styling Tip:* Pair with neutrals and soft textures to let the metalwork speak.

Evening Wear: Regal Edge

Against a black gown and golden bokeh, the necklace glows like moonlight. The lavender rings add mystique, and the silver fringe dances with every breath. It’s elegance with a story.

*Styling Tip:* V-necks and minimalist silhouettes let the piece take center stage.

Streetwear: Urban Armor

Layered under a leather jacket, the necklace becomes a badge of rebellion. The lavender softens the look, while the spikes catch the light like streetlights on steel. It’s armor for the everyday warrior.

*Styling Tip:* Combine with charcoal or black layers to amplify contrast and attitude.

See more at our Necklaces page

Blue Freestyle

Woman in a cozy café wearing a scoop-neck gray shirt and a blue-and-silver chainmaille necklace, smiling while reading a book with a latte on the table.

Chainmaille isn’t just for battlefields or cosplay conventions. It’s for brunch dates, candlelit dinners, and quiet moments with a book. This piece—woven in silver and sapphire blue rings—travels through modern life with mythic grace.

Coffee Shop: Cozy Power

Reading, reflecting and sipping something warm – this look is all about comfort with edge. The necklace becomes a conversation starter even if the only one you’re talking to is your favorite author. It’s the kind of piece that turns heads without trying—perfect for weekend outings or spontaneous meetups.

*Styling Tip:* Pair with neutrals and soft textures to let the metalwork speak.

Evening Wear: Regal Radiance

Against a black gown and golden lights, the necklace becomes a crown. The blue rings shimmer like starlight, and the silver chains cascade like moonlight. It’s elegance with a story.

*Styling Tip:* V-necks and minimalist silhouettes let the piece take center stage.

Casual Outing: Soft Sophistication

A cream shirt, a warm smile, and a necklace that bridges myth and modernity. This look is perfect for upscale dinners or gallery openings—where your presence is both grounded and ethereal.

*Styling Tip:* Choose tops with subtle sheen to echo the necklace’s luster.

See more in our Necklace Shop All Necklaces ship with matching Earrings

Emerald Isle

There are pieces that feel forged for battle, and there are pieces that feel woven into legend. Our newest creation—Emerald Isle – is European 4-in-1 Emerald Green, adorned with olive and dark grey dragon scales—lives in both worlds.  

Inspired by the sagas of Shieldmaidens and the shimmer of dragonhide, this design balances strength and ceremony. The interlocking rings form a dense, protective weave, while the layered scales cascade across the shoulders and down the centerline like the crest of a Wyvern.  

In the Viking Realm, she is not only a warrior but a woman —dancing by firelight, laughing with her kin.

This duality is what excites us most about chainmaille: it is armor, yes, but it is also adornment. It is a way to feel legendary in everyday life, whether you’re raising a drinking horn at a festival or simply carrying the strength of myth into your own story.  

To see more, visit our Cosplay Gallery

Valkyrie

Photorealistic woman in Steampunk attire wearing bronze and grey European 4-in-1 chainmaille with bronze scales, standing in an industrial gear-filled setting with brass goggles and leather corset.

Forged for Every Realm: The Versatile Power of Bronze and Grey Chainmaille comes to life in Valkyrie

Crafted in the timeless European 4-in-1 weave, this piece blends bronze and grey rings with a striking cascade of bronze dragon scales. Whether you’re commanding an airship, defending a fjord, or standing guard at a castle gate, Valkyrie can accommodate any Realm or Coffee House afternoon.

Steampunk:  

Draped over corsets and leather belts, it pairs seamlessly with goggles, gear bouquets, and wind-tossed ambition. The bronze scales echo the burnished tones of machinery, while the grey rings shimmer like polished rivets.

Viking:   

Layered over woolen tunics and cinched with leather belts, it speaks of endurance and honor. The bronze scales resemble the feathers of a raven, the grey rings like storm-forged steel.

Medieval:   

Worn over linen or wool, paired with a sword and quiet strength, it evokes tales of loyalty and lineage. The bronze glows like candlelight in a chapel, the grey like the iron of a drawbridge. 

Modern Style:

Paired with a cream top and layered with a jacket, this piece exudes style without shouting. 

One Piece, Infinite Stories  

This chainmaille isn’t confined to a single realm—it’s a canvas for character. Its neutral palette and elegant geometry allow it to blend with any aesthetic, from fantasy to historical to modern cosplay. Whether you’re building a gallery, stepping into a convention, or simply expressing your inner legend.

See more examples in our Cosplay Gallery

Basilisk

Artisan chainmaille shirt featuring dark grey rings and decorative serpent scales for fantasy or Steampunk styling.

Forged for every Realm

Whether you’re commanding the skies from your Steampunk airship, wandering the frostbitten paths of a Viking tundra, or simply stepping out into the modern world with a look all your own —this piece was made to go with you.

Crafted in the timeless European 4-in-1 weave, this armor blends historical technique with modern artistry. Its dark grey tone complements any palette, from earthy leathers to jewel-toned silks, allowing wearers to embody any character, any mood, any moment. Whether layered over a cream blouse for a Victorian adventurer or paired with fur in a winter realm, the color adapts, elevates, and never competes.

But what truly sets this piece apart are the serpent scales.

These pointed, dagger-like accents ripple across the shoulders and hem with quiet menace and grace. Unlike dragon scales that roar with mythic grandeur, serpent scales display cunning, agility, and precision. They catch the light with subtle gleam, adding movement and texture without overwhelming the silhouette. The central column of scales draws the eye inward, grounding the piece with strength and symmetry.

This is not just cosplay armor. It’s wearable legend.

It’s for the everyday alchemist, the weekend wanderer, the gallery-goer who wants to feel like a character in her own story. It’s for those who believe that protection can be beautiful, and that beauty can be bold.

See more images in our Cosplay Gallery

Bronzeheart

Unyielding and elemental, Bronzeheart is the embodiment of resilience. European 4-in-1 rings in rich bronze form a seamless weave, warm as leather and strong as ancient stone. Dark Henna dragon scales across the chest and sleeves give this piece the look of worn leather and a versatility that can blend into almost any realm or character you can create. 

From the Medieval Realm, to the shores of a Viking Stronghold, or even your very own Steampunk creation.

See more inspired looks in our Cosplay Gallery

Winterborne

Fantasy warrior in snowy medieval setting with artisan armor and fur cloak

Whether worn at a medieval faire, fantasy convention, or as a statement piece in your personal legend, Winterborne invites you to embody strength, grace, and myth.

Who Is She For?

•Collectors of artisan chainmaille

•Cosplayers seeking authentic texture and silhouette

•Fantasy lovers who want wearable art with lore

•Everyday adventurers who crave bold, handcrafted fashion

Behind the Craft

This piece was inspired by the quiet power of winter—its stillness, its bite, its beauty. It’s part of a growing gallery of themed armor and jewelry, each rooted in a realm of its own. From Viking shores to sci-fi scrapyards, every design is a portal.

See more designs in our Cosplay Gallery