Abstract: A protective plate assembly comprises a plurality of overlapping rigid plates (1, 2, 3) for covering a wearer's chest and abdomen, the plates being attached together such that the amount of overlap between successive plates is variable. Elements (13, 16) of compressible material are provided, distributed on an inner side of the assembly, such that when the amount of overlap between the plates (1, 2, 3) increases, the elements move closer together in the direction in which said overlap increases, and vice versa. Two adjacent plates of the assembly are attached to each other by means of a peg (12) extending from one of said plates, which peg is captive within a slot (9) on the other of said plates, the slot running substantially perpendicular to the overlapping edges of the plates.