That\'s it, folks... I\'ll have a go at making a linothorax!

[Dan Howard]

Paul and the other hoplites would KILL me for using cotton as the framework of the linothorax... :?

To quote from the Hoplite Association's website - specifically, http://www.4hoplites.com/Linothorax.htm :

DO NOT build from cotton or canvas as a substitute or to reduce the overall material cost by putting these layers underneath a facing, linen one. This is false economy as the various cloth properties react differently with the glue. The strength of a linen build arises partly from the way in which the linen absorbs vast amounts of adhesive.

and http://www.4hoplites.com/Reenactment.htm :

Under no circumstances use cotton.

And yes, I'm going to glue the layers!

The alleged use of glue is based almost entirely on the fact that the shoulder flaps in illustrations appear to be "springy". The same result can be achieved by quilting. Quilting will also produce an armour that more effectively resists arrows and spear thrusts. There is absolutely no evidence that glue was used and some evidence to specifically suggest that it wasn't. IMO glue will not produce an accurate reconstruction. If glue is not used then cotton will not cause any problems - though of course, if you can make it entirely from linen, so much the better.