Padded armor, which is often called quilted armor, is the simplest form of manmade armor. It usually consists of two or more layers of cloth, stuffed with thick batting, and sewn together. This usually only covers the chest and shoulders, but full body suits are not unknown. This is a common equipment item in many Fantasy Role-Playing games.
Padded armor is usually only worn by the poorest and most unskilled of all warriors. Militia men, bandits, street gangs, and barbarians are the most common wearers of this simple form of protection. But its bulk makes it a poor subsitute for a good set of leather armor.
Even an unskilled person can make a set of padded armor given a couple of days of free time. Since it only requires rudimentary sewing skills. But it does take a skilled armorer or tailor to make a durable and comfortable suit. But even a suit from a skilled worker will wear out quickly. A suit will last a mere month under ideal conditions, but out in the dirty wilderness, the armor will have to be replaced every few days to keep from becoming bug infested. Any wearer of padded armor should always bring along several spare suits when taking any long journeys, otherwise they will end up with no protection at all.