They were worn mostly by officers, and may have been molded leather as well as metal, with fringed leather "(pteryges)" at the armholes and lower edge.
The back is worked straight up from the armholes, and the fronts are worked to the same height with some decreasing at the neck edge for shaping.
One usually has large armholes and neck holes and a neckline that can reach down as far as the bottom of the chest.
They frame the face, neck and shoulders, and complement the neckline and armhole lines.
Stitches are then picked up around the armhole opening and the sleeve is knitted down toward the cuff in the round.
Steeks can be used for front openings (such as on a cardigan), armholes, or necklines.
Just before reaching the armholes, the knitter may add a few stitches for extra room under the arms.
Instead, it has wide-cut armholes in the sides to accommodate the arms.
