Why did soldiers in the XVII century use buff coats (leather armour) instead of gambeson (padded armour)? Many people claim gambesons are cheaper and at least as protective. - Quora
![Buff coats, worn under armor by cavalry and officers, could stop a sword cut or even a musket or pistol balls Buff coats, worn under armor by cavalry and officers, could stop a sword cut or even a musket or pistol balls](http://www.thevintagenews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2016/12/Buff-coat-used-by-Gustavus-Adolphus-of-Sweden-at-the-Battle-of-Dirschau-August-6-1627.-Photo-Credit.jpg)
Buff coats, worn under armor by cavalry and officers, could stop a sword cut or even a musket or pistol balls
![17th century Buff coat Doublet Historical reenactment, War Belt, infantry, waistcoat, rapier png | PNGWing 17th century Buff coat Doublet Historical reenactment, War Belt, infantry, waistcoat, rapier png | PNGWing](https://w7.pngwing.com/pngs/190/288/png-transparent-17th-century-buff-coat-doublet-historical-reenactment-war-belt.png)
17th century Buff coat Doublet Historical reenactment, War Belt, infantry, waistcoat, rapier png | PNGWing
![Buff coats, worn under armor by cavalry and officers, could stop a sword cut or even a musket or pistol balls Buff coats, worn under armor by cavalry and officers, could stop a sword cut or even a musket or pistol balls](http://www.thevintagenews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2016/12/Soldier-of-the-English-Civil-War-wearing-a-buff-coat-Victorian-painting-by-John-Pettie.-Photo-Credit.jpg)