Putting kit together
Back to the Tome of LARP
When you look through photos of LARPers around the world you will see some amazing outfits and combinations. Most of these have taken years and a lot of money to get to the point where they are at. However some pre planning can help. The steps here really mix with the chapter on making a character so they should be read together, however some people do one before the other.
Have a concept (just a few words)
I like to get people to describe their character in 2 words, an adjective and a noun. For those of you who's schooling days are long behind them (like me) that is a describing word and an object. Examples of using this method are Honourable Knight, Shrewd Priest, Vicious Gambler, Magical Elf or Confused Amnesiac. In just two words you can start to get the core of your character. It is easy to get carried away with all the details so it is good to have a base that you can refer back to. The costume needs to fit this idea.
Research for ideas
Now that you have your concept you can start looking for various costume components that will flesh it out. Often he game system will have details about how different nations look and they are a great place to start. This is especially important if you are trying to fit into the game world. If you are not sure what different terms mean you can look at the Glossary of LARP kit.
History is a good place to start
If the idea you are looking for is close to a time period/nation of history then look at how they did things. You will find that the combinations used will work a lot better than random fantasy looks. it doesn't mean that you have to only use things that are backed up by 3 sources or anything like that but get ideas. It also makes it a lot easier to find patterns or pre-made stock.
I have done a specific article on putting together Viking kit.
Practicality
Many of the outfits or weapons that you see in pictures (or especially anime) are just not practical when used in the real world. Spikes, fancy plate armour and huge weapons are just going to be more hassle than they are worth.
Soft kit vs hard kit
I like to describe most costume in to two categories, soft and hard kit. Soft kit is various clothing and accessories that you might wear on a daily basis in character. hard kit is your battle wear, so weapons and armour. Depending on the system players will often prioritise one over the other. I advise getting both as appropriate to the character. If you spend 80% of your time fighting then get a good usable hard kit first, nut understand that when you sit down to a feast wearing a sweaty gambeson you will be looked down on. I'd always add at least one tunic or shirt to a hard kit for times when armour is not appropriate.
I'd aim in the mid - long term for the following
1-2 sets of soft kit (pants/skirt/dress and shirt/tunic is fine)
Cloak or jacket
Headware or hat of some kind
Fighting kit (armour and weapons)
If you have the means then one fancy kit or jacket for feasts and special events.
Layers and accessories
Go back to the favourite pictures you have saved (we all do that) and almost all of them will have the costume in layers and with accessories. One of my favourite generic medieval-fantasy outfits is a set of baggy 'viking' pants, a laced shirt and a short sleeved tunic. They all have different colours but in similar earthy tones. In terms of accessories belts, pouches, jewelry and embroidery/trim go along way in making a simple piece of kit look unique and belong to the character.
I've included below a photo from 2011 of some combination that can be achieved from simple off the shelf items.
