I took a class in college called "Andean History & The Inca Legacy." We read 1491 by Charles Mann where he mentions that the Spaniards forewent their heavy plates for the lightweight cotton armor that the Aztecs and Inca both utilized, which was nearly as effective at stopping arrows as their steel breastplates and much more suited to the climate of South/Central America. The armor consisted of tightly woven cotton, sometimes between layers of hide or leather. Here's an Aztec example.

I'm not sure what the criticisms of Mann's work are or if this is enough for a top-level comment.