Manchira: Lightweight Flexible Auxiliary Chest Armor for Samurai

Traditional Comfort & Protection Beneath the Surface

The Manchira is a traditional auxiliary chest armor worn beneath the dō (cuirass) by samurai during the Sengoku and Edo eras. Crafted to be soft, flexible, and highly protective, it serves as a discreet layer of armor whether beneath your full yoroi (armor set) or worn alone beneath a kimono. Lightweight yet durable, the manchira can also act as its own standalone dō, offering excellent torso protection without hindering movement.

This armor is constructed with layered asa (hemp linen) or brocade, concealing a lattice of kikkō (hexagonal plates) sewn between the layers. These plates form a tight interlocking shield capable of dispersing slashes and resisting stabs. The manchira is worn separately from the dō, allowing quick replacement, cleaning, or repair without removing the full cuirass—ideal for warriors on the move or off the battlefield.

Historically, the manchira was also favored by wealthy merchants, travelers, and is believed to have been adopted by shinobi (ninja) for covert missions. Its sleek form allowed it to be worn discreetly under traditional clothing, offering hidden defense without drawing attention.

Key Features & Benefits:

Custom Tailored Fit: Crafted to your specific chest, waist, and torso measurements for optimal comfort and functionality.

Flexible Kikkō Plating: Steel hexagonal plates sewn into linen for light, reliable protection against cuts and thrusts.

Optional Padding Upgrade: Add interior padding for protection from blunt strikes or training scenarios.

Versatile Usage: Ideal for reenactors, martial artists, budo practitioners, or those seeking modern-day discreet protection.

Traditional Styling: Choose from a variety of materials, patterns, and color combinations to match your style or armor set.

Please Note: This product is for the manchira (dō) only. Kote (armored sleeves) and suneate (shin guards) sold separately.

Ordering Tips:

4 / 5 – Chest / Waist Size: Order 2 cm larger for better comfort and mobility.

C – Shoulder Drop: Measure from where the chest meets the shoulder.

D – Neck to Navel: Measure from the base of the neck to your navel.

E – Side Drop: Begin 5 cm below the armpit for the best comfort and protection.

Shipping Information:

Our artisans will carefully process and craft your custom manchira. Please allow at least 1 to 2 weeks for processing and crafting of your order.

Accessories:

Hikitate Eboshi – Add a traditional cloth hat to your order, traditionally worn by Samurai

Sarashi Belt – A traditional long cotton belt, used by Samurai to to secure their katana

Waraji Sandals – Bamboo straw sandals commonly used by samurai

Waraji-Gake – Traditional type of Japanese sock that is to be worn together with the Waraji sandals

Tabi Socks – Two toe section sock for use with sandals

Yugake – Traditional samurai gloves

If you are unsure of any terms, please visit our Glossary List . If you have any questions, please review our FAQ page or Contact Us directly.

Description

Traditional Comfort & Protection Beneath the Surface

Key Features & Benefits:

Custom Tailored Fit: Crafted to your specific chest, waist, and torso measurements for optimal comfort and functionality.
Flexible Kikkō Plating: Steel hexagonal plates sewn into linen for light, reliable protection against cuts and thrusts.
Optional Padding Upgrade: Add interior padding for protection from blunt strikes or training scenarios.
Versatile Usage: Ideal for reenactors, martial artists, budo practitioners, or those seeking modern-day discreet protection.
Traditional Styling: Choose from a variety of materials, patterns, and color combinations to match your style or armor set.

Please Note: This product is for the manchira (dō) only. Kote (armored sleeves) and suneate (shin guards) sold separately.

Ordering Tips:

4 / 5 – Chest / Waist Size: Order 2 cm larger for better comfort and mobility.
C – Shoulder Drop: Measure from where the chest meets the shoulder.
D – Neck to Navel: Measure from the base of the neck to your navel.
E – Side Drop: Begin 5 cm below the armpit for the best comfort and protection.

Shipping Information:

Our artisans will carefully process and craft your custom manchira. Please allow at least 1 to 2 weeks for processing and crafting of your order.

Accessories:

Hikitate Eboshi – Add a traditional cloth hat to your order, traditionally worn by Samurai
Sarashi Belt – A traditional long cotton belt, used by Samurai to to secure their katana
Waraji Sandals – Bamboo straw sandals commonly used by samurai
Waraji-Gake – Traditional type of Japanese sock that is to be worn together with the Waraji sandals
Tabi Socks – Two toe section sock for use with sandals
Yugake – Traditional samurai gloves

If you are unsure of any terms, please visit our Glossary List . If you have any questions, please review our FAQ page or Contact Us directly.

References: Arms and Armor of the Samurai: The History of Weaponry in Ancient Japan / The Samurai: Warriors of Medieval Japan, 940-1600 / Samurai: The Code of the Warrior /

Additional information

Weight	6.25 kg
Dimensions	45 × 45 × 6 cm
Gift Card Value

5 reviews for Manchira (Under Armor)

1-5 of 5 reviews

bioshock916
Verified owner

January 4, 2021

Excellent work, absolute freedom of movement. I liked the fact that there are three loops on the shoulders for adjustment for different shoulder widths.

(1) (0)
Alex Lajoie
Verified owner

August 21, 2020

Verified review - view original
just perfect! I have tested with hard hit and the protection is incredible and really beautiful

(1) (0)
Rocky Kramer
Verified owner

March 31, 2020

Verified review - view original
Loved it

(1) (0)
Carl
Verified owner

June 19, 2021

Verified review - view original
Amazingly high quality and worth every penny can not recomend highly enough. So much passion and hard work has clearly gone into this piece and I am very impressed with the result.

(0) (0)
Oleg
Verified owner

January 25, 2021

Verified review - view original
Lightweight and highly mobile, well-made personal armor is perfect for training.

(0) (0)

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Select the material to be used(Click through the product images to see details of different Material Options.)

Select the thread color to be used. (Click through the product images to see different Lace Options.)

This option changes the girth size of the chest. While inhaling deeply, measure the distance AROUND the widest part of your chest. (Click through the images to see the different options.)

This option adjusts the girth size of your waist. While inhaling deeply, have an assistant wrap the tape measure around your waist at level with your navel. In the back, you want the tape measure to wrap around completely level. The tape measure should be snug, but not tight.(Click through the images to see the different options.)

Lay a comfortable shirt on a flat surface, then measure the straight distance between the two shoulder seams or enter the width you would like your shoulder distance to be. (Sizing is more for crafting reference then actual, we may reduce this by upto 15 cm)

Using a straight ruler, have an assistant measure the distance across your chest, where your chest meets your shoulders. Do not measure the contour of your chest.

This option effects the distance between the very top of the dō to the very bottom of your dō plate. The dō should rest where you waist and hips meet. This length adjustment will help stop your dō from pressing into your chin when sitting. Measure from where your throat meets your chest, straight down to your navel. Do not measure the contour of your chest and belly, this should be measured with a measuring stick.(Click through the images to see the different options.)

Manchira (Under Armor)