A knight's helmet, like his body armor, was made to both protect and look good. Armorers made helmets in two basic types: one-piece helmets and helmets with movable visors and other parts. One-piece helmets are called war hats, sallets, and babutes, a form of sallet. Helmets with movable parts include basinets, which have movable visors and hinged cheek pieces, and armets, a unique Italian style of helmet. Padding was put inside the helmets so they fit comfortably and securely.

The helmet shown here is a burgonet, a type of open-faced helmet with a brim.