Orbiculi and clavi as padding

[M. Demetrius]

They could provide some padding value, if they were sewn on the appropriate area of the tunic. Most orbiculi, however, seem to be near the bottom hem, and the upper chest, on both sides. That would leave the vital organs still exposed.

I have to leave it to others to describe the specifics of their construction, but I was under the impression that orbiculi, and clavi were either sewn on, woven in, or embroidered sections of decorative cloth, not armor supplements.