The first version of the Hauberk, the small hauberk, was the garment frequently worn by 8th century European knights; it also became the dress of their squires. This early hauberk consisted of a padded cloth jacket, covered in scales, and reached the hips and elbows in a rather loose-fitting style. The large hauberk, what is thought of when Hauberk is heard, was more of a frock/smock design. It incorporated a camail and extended down to knees and elbows.Prior to chain mail construction becoming standard, hauberks were constructed by means of overlapping plates of bronze or iron, separately sewn-together rings, etc.. Eventually, a Hauberk became a complete suit of flexible armor which could be worn like a shirt without a "wrong side out." Each ring in the garment was riveted to the others piece by piece, the final product being either of single or double layer construction. Commonly, the sleeves were extended to cover the hands as well. The majority of Crusader knights wore chain mail hauberks; plate mail didn't become common for two more centuries. Chainmail Medieval Armor