King Henry VIII’s armor was anything but discreet. Made in the 16th century, its ostentatious design leaves little to the imagination. However, this codpiece is not something the king invented out of nowhere. It was a male fashion called the “codpiece.”
During the 15th and 16th centuries, men did not wear pants as we do today; instead, they wore very tight hose that left the crotch with an opening at the groin, so the codpiece served to cover this “gap.” However, it also became a symbol of virility, fertility, and status.
And Henry, known for his imposing figure and even bigger ego, decided that his armor would not only protect him but also let everyone know who was in charge.