Maybe you want to do some more research, or maybe you want to pull up a picture of your character in studded leather to show it off. Well, you might be interested to know that ‘studded leather’ as we know it does not exist. The closest historical equivalent to studded leather is the Brigandine, which had a few layers of leather with steel riveted inside. It’s actually a pretty common armor, once you see a picture of it you will be pointing them out! The brigandine could be thought of as an early day vest or flak jacket. It went over the mail shirt that most men at arms and archers wore during the Middle Ages, and it offered mobility and flexibility on the battlefield. Plus, it was simple enough for most soldiers to maintain without needing a specialized armorer. Of course, you and your DM can make your studded armor look like whatever you want it to look like, but the brigandine’s look could prove to be the sounding board for your inspiration.