When it comes to chain maille, the metal you choose shapes the entire piece—its look, feel, weight, and even how it ages over time. Each material has its own strengths and quirks, and over the years I’ve worked with many of them. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options I use, along with the pros and cons of each.
🛡️ Stainless Steel (316L)
The Workhorse of Maille
- Pros: Durable, rust- and tarnish-resistant, hypoallergenic, and keeps a bright shine with minimal upkeep. It has a solid, weighty feel that makes every piece feel like real armor.
- Cons: Heavier than aluminum, harder to cut and shape (though that’s a maker problem, not a wearer problem!).
- Best For: Everyday wear, long-lasting jewelry, dice bags that see heavy use, and anyone who wants strength and shine without fuss.
👉 When it comes to steel, I only use 316L stainless—it’s the highest quality option for both durability and wearability.
🔥 Copper
The Ancient Classic
- Pros: Warm, reddish glow that develops a natural patina over time; has a timeless, rustic look.
- Cons: Tarnishes quickly, may discolor skin, and is softer (so it scratches more easily).
- Best For: Statement pieces, historical-style maille, or those who love the aged, evolving look.
🟤 Bronze
The Warrior’s Alloy
- Pros: Stronger than copper, with a deep golden-brown tone; more resistant to corrosion than pure copper.
- Cons: Still prone to tarnish, heavier than aluminum, and can discolor skin with extended wear.
- Best For: Armor-inspired designs or traditional aesthetics with a bold, solid feel.
🟡 Brass
The Bright Hero
- Pros: Shiny, golden look at a fraction of the cost of gold; moderately durable; polishes to a nice luster.
- Cons: Tarnishes over time, may cause skin irritation, and is softer than stainless.
- Best For: Decorative or cosplay pieces where brightness matters more than long-term wear.
🌈 Anodized Aluminum
The Color Chameleon
- Pros: Lightweight, affordable, and available in a rainbow of anodized colors. Comfortable for all-day wear.
- Cons: Softer metal, scratches more easily, and the anodized finish can wear with time.
- Best For: Colorful designs, larger projects (like dice bags or cosplay), or pieces where weight needs to stay low.
⚡ Titanium
The High-Tech Adventurer
- Pros: Strong, lightweight compared to steel, corrosion-resistant, and can be anodized into brilliant colors. Hypoallergenic too.
- Cons: More expensive, harder to work with, and doesn’t polish as brightly as stainless.
- Best For: High-end, lightweight pieces with a modern look or striking color accents.
✨ Niobium
The Rare Gem
- Pros: Hypoallergenic, lightweight, and capable of vibrant anodized colors (often richer than titanium). Great for sensitive skin.
- Cons: Expensive, less common, and softer than steel.
- Best For: Premium jewelry, colorful accents, and unique custom work.
Choosing the Right Material
Every metal has its role to play, whether you’re looking for strength, shine, color, or character. From the rainbow versatility of anodized aluminum to the noble heft of bronze or the durability of stainless steel, there’s no “one-size-fits-all”—it all comes down to the look and feel you’re after.
For steel projects, I work exclusively in 316L stainless steel, because it’s the most reliable and wearable choice. Beyond that, I love experimenting with copper, bronze, brass, aluminum, titanium, and niobium to bring unique visions to life.
| Material | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 316L Stainless Steel ⚔️ | 💎 Durable, rust/tarnish resistant, hypoallergenic, long-lasting shine | ⚠️ Heavier, harder to work with | 🏰 Everyday wear, jewelry, dice bags, long-term durability |
| Copper 🔥 | 💎 Warm color, develops patina, classic look | ⚠️ Tarnishes quickly, can turn skin green, soft metal | 🏺 Statement pieces, historical styles, rustic looks |
| Bronze 🛡️ | 💎 Stronger than copper, golden-brown tone, traditional feel | ⚠️ Can tarnish, heavy, may discolor skin | ⚔️ Armor-inspired designs, bold and traditional pieces |
| Brass ✨ | 💎 Bright gold-like shine, affordable, polishes well | ⚠️ Tarnishes, may irritate skin, softer than stainless | 🎭 Decorative/cosplay, flashy accents |
| Anodized Aluminum 🌈 | 💎 Lightweight, colorful, affordable, comfortable to wear | ⚠️ Scratches easily, color can fade, less durable | 🎨 Colorful designs, cosplay, lightweight projects |
| Titanium ⚡ | 💎 Strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant, hypoallergenic, anodizable | ⚠️ Expensive, harder to work, less shiny | 🎯 High-end jewelry, lightweight modern pieces, colorful accents |
| Niobium ✨ | 💎 Hypoallergenic, vibrant anodized colors, lightweight, rare look | ⚠️ Expensive, softer than steel, less common | 💎 Premium jewelry, sensitive skin, unique colorful pieces |
