Banded Mail

Banded mail - in the sense that it is commonly used - is something of a misnomer. For a start, it typically doesn't involve any mail at all. Historically this style was used by other nations as well - the Indo-Persians and the Haysadani also used a form of banded armour for arm protection that consisted of a sleeve of overlapping rings.
Almost certainly easier to mass produce than mail, although whether it provides the same protection is in doubt. Banded armour is also more tolerant of poor quality raw materials and may or may not be easier to wear and maintain. Hoplologists use the term banded mail to refer to actual mail that has been stiffened by weaving leather thongs through it for greater impact protection. This was apparently common in mail collars, how widespread it was elsewhere is open to some debate.