If you’re wondering how to describe armor in writing, the following 10 words will help you.
1. Glossy
Definition
Something that appears shiny and smooth.
Examples
“The knight’s glossy armor shone in the light like stars in the night sky.”
“His breastplate was glossy and polished. It had obviously never seen a real battle before.”
How it Adds Description
The adjective “glossy” implies that the armor has an extremely smooth surface that reflects light, thus implying it’s new or barely used. Characters with glossy armor likely haven’t experienced battle yet, as their armor hasn’t got any scratches or dents. More experienced fighters might ridicule them for their inexperience unless the “glossy” armor is for ceremonial purposes.
2. Robust
Definition
Something very healthy or strong.
Examples
“She gazed upon the robust armor before her and hoped it would protect her from the enemy.”
“He felt secure in his robust chainmail, but it didn’t remove his fear of battle.”
How it Adds Description
“Robust” implies that the armor is well-made and designed to protect the wearer. This could give your characters confidence while wearing it, allowing them to fight their enemies without extra anxiety. It could also imply it was made with strong materials, making it an important item.
3. Heavy
Definition
Something that weighs a lot.
Examples
“The prince’s chainmail was awfully heavy, but he refrained from showing his struggle.”
“The girl tried to pick up the heavy breastplate, despite her little strength.”
How it Adds Description
You can show the weight of your fictional armor via the adjective “heavy.” While “heavy” armor protects the wearer, they might also struggle to move while wearing it, making them uncomfortable and frustrated.
4. Drab
Definition
Something that’s boring or dull to look at.
Examples
“His face went red when his friends saw his drab armor. Theirs was much newer and ten times more impressive.”
“The soldier refused to wear the drab chainmail and faced the battlefield in his leather doublet alone.”
How it Adds Description
“Drab” can be used to show your reader that the armor is dull to look at or not as attractive as other characters’ armor. This might make the owner feel insecure or embarrassed, as their possession is of lower quality than others. It could also signal that they’re from a less privileged background or have less combat experience.
5. Elaborate
Definition
Something that has lots of detail and artistic design.
Examples
“The king’s royal protector strode into the throne room with his elaborate armor and decorative sword.”
“She traced her fingers over the elaborate breastplate. It was simply gorgeous and must have been created by a master blacksmith.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show your fictional armor is special or has detailed designs, use “elaborate” to describe it. This adjective shows the armor is highly important and likely crafted by a skilled artisan. “Elaborate” armor is more likely to be owned by characters with power and influence, and the armor is usually worn to show status rather than for protection.
6. Antiquated
Definition
Something old-fashioned or old in a bad way.
Examples
“Are you really wearing such antiquated armor to battle? You truly are a fool.”
“He searched through the cupboards of antiquated armor, but he couldn’t find anything new enough to wear to the jousting.”
How it Adds Description
Some armor in your story might be older, and if it’s low-quality, you can refer to it as “antiquated.” This word shows that the armor is out of fashion and not as good as newer models. Characters might feel disappointed if they have to wear “antiquated” armor, and some might avoid wearing it altogether.
7. Flimsy
Definition
Something that’s weak because it’s badly made or made from weak materials.
Examples
“Though she spent all night making a chest plate on the anvil, her outcome was still too flimsy for battle use.”
“His flimsy armor wouldn’t withstand a blow, so he hung back and kept his mouth shut when facing his opponents.”
How it Adds Description
Not all armor is strong, and you can show this by describing weak variations as “flimsy.” Characters with “flimsy” armor are more at risk of injury, as their outfit isn’t protective enough. This might make them more scared in battle situations, and many might avoid conflict altogether to reduce the chances of being harmed.
8. Durable
Definition
Something that lasts for a long time without getting weaker or breaking.
Examples
“He tried to drive his sword through the chainmail, but it bounced back, proving the armor was durable.”
“She prayed her husband’s armor was durable and fit for purpose.”
How it Adds Description
“Durable” describes armor that doesn’t break over time, thus implying it’s extremely strong and well-made. Characters might put a lot of trust into “durable” armor and could rely on it to save their life during combat.
9. Destroyed
Definition
Something that’s been damaged or ruined.
Examples
“He glanced down at his destroyed plate armor and winced. Now he was more vulnerable than ever.”
“She thrust her sword at her opponent, leaving his armor destroyed and his confidence non-existent.”
How it Adds Description
If armor is ruined to the point that it can’t be fixed, you can describe it as “destroyed.” Characters with “destroyed” armor are more likely to be harmed and have likely been injured already. This could make them more likely to give up in a fight or flee the scene. “Destroyed” armor can also signal that the armor was made from low-quality materials.
10. Beautiful
Definition
Something that’s very pleasing or attractive to look at.
Examples
“Her chest plate was beautiful, and no one could deny it.”
“The students gazed upon the beautiful suit of armor in the museum. It was covered in gems and patterns, and was trimmed with gold.”
How it Adds Description
Though armor is a protective object, it can be decorative and attractive, too. ”Beautiful” shows the reader that the armor is made with aesthetics in mind and conveys style and power. Characters with lots of wealth may wear “beautiful” armor as they can afford to pay for the best materials and craftsmanship.