Studded Leather Armor
Studded leather armor is made from tough but flexible leather with close-set rivets or spikes. Despite the name, the studs are actually metal reinforcements rather than decorative elements. This is the best light armor available in standard D&D 5e, offering maximum protection without sacrificing mobility.
At a Glance
Type
Armor
Cost
45 gp
Weight
13 lbs
Light Armor
Mechanics
Armor Class: 12 + Dexterity modifier. Light armor lets you add your full Dexterity modifier to your AC. You can don studded leather armor in 1 minute and doff it in 1 minute. No Strength requirement. No disadvantage on Stealth checks.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Thinking the studs deal damage to grapplers (they don't)
Common Mistake
Forgetting it's only 1 AC better than regular leather for 45 gp more
Common Mistake
Assuming it's medium armor due to the cost (it's still light armor)
Common Mistake
Not considering whether the upgrade from leather is worth the gold early on
DM Tips
DM Tip
DM Tip
The 45 gp cost makes it a good first major purchase for starting characters
DM Tip
Consider offering studded leather as loot after tough early encounters
DM Tip
The armor can be described in various ways - studded, riveted, or reinforced
DM Tip
For characters starting with leather, upgrading to studded leather feels significant
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Studded Leather Armor — D&D 5e Wikidot — SRD reference
- Studded Leather Armor — D&D Beyond — Official reference