http://wiki.project1999.com/Mesh_Armor_Set
"Mesh Armor drops mainly in Upper Guk and is a slight upgrade to the Cloth Armor Set for all but pure casters. They have the same AC as the Raw-Hide Armor Set but weigh less and are one-size-fits-all. A full set gives 46 AC and weighs 3.0 stones."
Do you have any evidence that shows it was not for all races in classic? Every piece appears to be for all.