I know we're always on the lookout for ways to fake the look of mail, and one of the Hollywood techniques is to use knitwear/sweaters, and paint/age them to look like metal (http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Lazy-Mans-Chainmail-Shirt/). But finding the right texture in a sweater is pretty tough--you basically just have to get lucky and stumble into one.
The new Coldwater Creek catalogue (http://www.coldwatercreek.com/product-detail/56587/62881/curved-hem-pullover.aspx?colorid=A58&refLink=sweaters.aspx) came yesterday, and they have this:
(http://cdn.coldwatercreek.com/fx/products/422x528/K08045_014_S.jpg)
Not perfect by any means, and those ribknit cuffs/hem throw things off a little, but the oversized fit and tunic shape (and slightly metallic yarns) would be a good start for somebody interested in faux mail. The price is a bit of a stinger, though: $59.95. You might have better luck with thrift store finds.
Well spotted, Gem! With a few well placed layers, accessories, and trim, this could be a winning base layer!