Although we can all definitely agree that it takes a special kind of person to LARP, we, as a community, have a variety of play styles and interests in the game. Whether you enjoy the role-playing aspects, creativity and crafting, combat tournaments, feasting, questing, social interactions, or any combinations of the above, you are playing because you enjoy it. There are ways, no matter your play style, that you can contribute to not only your experience but also the experience of those around you.
Today,
specifically, I'm going to discuss the role of garb in combat. I'm the
first person to agree with some by saying garb can be a hindrance to
combat. Puffy sleeves make larger, balloon-like targets. Wrap pants can
get tangled and cause trips and falls. Billowing cloaks hinder movement
and create large areas. Needless to say, it causes a lot of problems.
So,
at what point is it an acceptable sacrifice for immersion to wear items
that are not immersive? I think we can all agree that footwear during
combat and questing could be considered an acceptable sacrifice.
Physical safety is very important. Ensuring that everyone has proper
foot and ankle support, weather-proofing, traction, etc., seems only
logical. Are there options out there that could fit both immersion and
practicality? Yes. Are they always cost effective? Maybe not so much for
a good portion of our game or a more casual player.
What
about combat clothing? There was, and perhaps is, a trend where wearing
athletic clothing which wasn't exactly "immersive" was (is) perfectly
acceptable. Whether it's the Nike Swoosh on your shirt or your Under
Armor symbol showing. You can get away with wearing Under
Armor, because you're covered in chain and it still works thematically.
But in a situation where you are wearing just ADIDAS striped shorts and a
nationally colored athletic shirt with your tabard and a braided belt
over it, with no armor covering it, it leaves a bit much for the
imagination to make up. Could there be better options?
It's
hard to say for sure. Firstly, Under Armor feels amazing. It's moisture-wicking. It keeps your body cooler. It prevents sun burns. I mean,
let's be real here; technology, while being much more primitive in the
theme we are presenting, is advancing for our benefit. There are reasons
that we use new materials now. They work.
The
thing with our game is that it is not based on historical events or
times. We have had events with aliens, guns, super heroes, and other
non-medieval things. So, saying materials must be linen, cotton, or wool
seems a bit extreme. Also, styles were vastly different. Men wore kilts
or skirts in some areas of the world, and in others they wore tights.
Does that mean we have to wear things only worn before 1700? I don't
think so. I think we can make sure that our clothes are thematically
appropriate by finding materials and styles that can mesh well in the
overall setting. You should probably avoid overly modern items such as
zippers, athletic clothing symbols, baseball caps, etc. However, if
you'll be more comfortable in a pair of shorts than a kilt (not bashing
them, but they aren't for everyone), get a basic pair of cotton shorts
with no logos, or commission someone to make you some which will go well
with your other garb. Same can be said for sleeveless shirts. Just
cutting off collars on modern clothes and cutting a small line down the
center(see keyhole neckline) can do a lot for making it feel more
medieval.
As
for materials, there are so many options out there to choose from. I
like to use a cotton looking material that's used in leotards for a lot
of my combat garb. It is breathable and believable in a fantasy setting,
especially when not being worn under armor.
Bottom
line is, you can keep costs down and still look the part of a peasant
or knight with simple steps. Remember, it's about fun for everyone, not
just yourself. Before walking out onto that tournament field or that
path of adventure, ask yourself one question: do I look like I could be a
model for Larp Life Magazine (TM) or do I look like a Dick's Sporting
Goods advertisement?
[Editor's note: click here for a YouTube video on how to make easy and cheap faire garb]