The Marches costumes

Latest revision as of 15:29, 12 January 2022

This page contains guides written by players that may be of interest in making costume pieces. It is a very early page intended to supplement the The Marches look and feel page, and may have been superceded. Official costume advice is found on the Costume page.

Overview

The Marches draws strongly on English history from the 12th century through to the Wars of the Roses for costume, weaponry and armour. The look is earthy, sober and simple with plain flat colours of natural dyes and unbleached cloth. The fabrics are likewise natural - wool, calico, linen and leather combine to give a realistic look. Medieval re-enactments are a great source of inspiration for the look and feel of Marches territory - although unlike history, its worth noting that Marches society is gender neutral. Clothing is chosen according to the situation and activity, rather than through roles assigned to men or women.

"Pride in small things, loyalty to great ones"

10 Quick Tips

Charity shop fabric rails are a great source of wool blankets that can be made into staples of Marcher costume
With the popularity of medieval re-enactment, its very easy to buy off the peg hose, doublets, cote-hardie and other key pieces - just head for 12th - 15th Century, rather than Tudor kit when choosing on-line or at kit fairs.
Don't fancy hose? Don't worry. Any reasonably close fitting trousers in earthy or dark colours will look good for practical Marches characters.
Households and families are important in the Marches - displaying the house livery can be done cheaply through simple sashes or badges or if you fancy something a bit clearer, follow the guides for livery coats.
There are a range of options for practical footwear - from bespoke re-enactment shoes to simple desert boots - any soft leather or suede with simple ties, laces or side buckles will look good.
Worried about all that itchy wool and linen? Shirts and shifts are your friends, both are simple, loose and easily available in cotton and make a good part of the Marchers look. And whilst re-enactment markets are very useful for Marcher supplies, we're not looking for historical accuracy here - there's no expectation for you to be in itchy underwear!
For those playing a rich Marcher, it could be easy to make choices that make the costume seem very similar to neighbouring Dawn - by sticking to plain fabrics (wool, maybe velvet, but not silks or brocades) and choosing rich autumnal colours rather than bright summery ones confusion can be avoided
Marcher beaters who are likely to wear light leather armour can avoid being confused with Steinr and Navarr by staying away from furs and going for classic Marcher accessories. Bollock pouches are one example that are really simple to make and easily available to buy.
Want to indicate low status? Try adding an apron or leather trousers or swap a doublet for a sleeveless jerkin.
Want to show off high status? Try doing so very discreetly, with a rich lining or carefully chosen buttons rather than ostentatious trims and decoration.

Making Guides and Examples

Tunics

The simplest item a Marcher can wear is the T-tunic, which is a common garment throughout the Empire. In the Marches it will usually be undecorated, long sleeved and belted, and will commonly be worn by the lower classes, with hose or trousers and maybe a simple jerkin - usually made from linen or wool.

Cotehardie

A more fitted version of the t-tunic, with central lacing is known as a Cotehardie - this comes in many lengths - from high on the thigh to floor length. It hangs best when made in heavier fabrics, and tends to denote higher status than a simple tunic.

File:Mens cotehardie.jpg

Cotehardie

Doublet

A more complex and tailored option is the doublet, like the puffed shoulder, and the baggy upper arm. Doublets are usually between waist and thigh length and can fasten with buttons, lacing or hooks and eyes. Doublets are usually made of wool, but a heavier weight of linen will also work.

Reconstructing History 003

Shirts

Costume by Cloak'd and Dagger'd

A plain cotton or linen shirt with a round/key-hole neck or simple collar would usually be worn underneath both cotehardies and doublets. These help to soak up sweat as well as stopping the woollen garments from being too itchy.

Shirts can be worn on their own as an alternative to a tunic, perhaps with a leather jerkin over the top.

Legwear

Marcher leg wear is practical and slim fitting. Close fitting trousers are practical and easy to come by or make.

Basic trousers

Hose is also easier to make and wear than you might think and can be very practical for both day to day wear and fighting:

Woollen hose come as split hose, which are two separate legs with or without integral feet, or joined hose which are one piece with a flap at the groin. Split hose should be worn with long braies, which are a mid thigh length, baggy boxer short style garment. Joined hose, and some split hose will tie or 'point' to either a doublet, or to a 'pourpoint' (literally meaning 'for pointing'), which is a waistcoat style top worn in much the same way as modern braces are! Split hose can also be held up by a belt, if they have loops at the tops of the legs.

Both braies and split hose are very easy to make from scratch, although joined hose are fairly complex to get the fit right, which is the vital component to stopping them splitting! The other important factor for making hose is to make them stretchy. This can be done by using boiled wool, which is naturally stretchy, or 'cutting on the bias' to use fabric's natural stretchy-ness.

File:Marches hose2.jpg

Braies

Braies are a type of trousers used as undergarments. They are a baggy boxer short style garment, generally hanging to the knees or mid-calf, resembling what are today called shorts.

Split hose should be worn with long braies.

Pourpoints

Pourpoint instructions

Dresses

Costume design by Kate Dicey at Jolly Dicey

Women's wear from the historical period offers the option of more fitted styling and longer lengths in a choice of simple dresses made in heavy flowing fabrics and worn over a lighter shift.

The kirtle is the basic pull on, t-shaped gown which was worn throughout northern Europe from the dark ages onwards. kirtles Later kirtles became more fitted and either button or lace up the front. These are often called cotehardies These dresses can also lace up the side, or in the back(showing status as help is required!) and can be as tight or loose as desired.cotehardie They're usually worn over a lightweight underdress called a shift which can be made by simply adding some panels to a t-tunic to allow for movement. All three of these dresses are straightforward to make either from patterns or from pattern diagrams and are easy to buy from both reenactment and LARP suppliers. Generally these dresses are made from wool, but heavier weights of linen or cotton are also suitable.

These dresses can be worn with the skirt tucked into the belt at the front to display the shift underneath, or show off a fancy lining.

Some sources of information and patterns are given below.

Kirtles

File:Cotehardie.jpg

File:Kirtle.jpg

The underdress in this pattern Burda Patterns 7977
Burda Patterns 7468
Reconstructing History 018
Authentic Patterns Late Medieval Kirtle
Reconstructing History pattern RH002
Basic pattern instructions
Basic pattern instructions
Nehelenia Kirtle pattern
McCalls Pattern 4490
McCalls Pattern 4491
Butterick Pattern 4827

Cotehardies

Shifts

Headwear

Most Marchers will wear some sort of headwear. Hoods, coifs, caps and hats all add to the Marcher look.

Coifs

These can be made from linen, for every day wear, and from leather or padded linen or wool for combat. Coifs can be simple white linen, or embroidered and coloured for a fancier look.

Hoods

Best made out of wool, or leather for beaters in particular. Another very variable garment with dozens of options for length, colour and decoration meaning a hood can be a simple or fancy as you like.

Hats and caps

There are lots of hats that would look great in the Marches, the key kinds are a simple skullcap, a square cap, an acorn cap and the bag or sack hat.

Cloaks

Marchers, being a practical people, have plenty of options for keeping the rain off. Cloaks can be simple half circles, or luxurious full circles. They come with and without hoods, can be decorated by dagging and fastened with pins, buttons or straps. There are a good list of cloak patterns given on this website.

Shoes

For those who'd like to make their own shoes: Medieval shoe pattern

Otherwise desert boots, and other soft leather and suede boots can work well, as can re-enactment specialised supplies. Boots for the rich can rise far higher than the ankle - even over the knee in some cases.

Armour

Jacks

Poor Marchers may wear just a plain coloured padded jack or gambeson as their only armour. Wealthier yeomen have jacks in their household colours and mail or plate over the top if they have it. Richer people will add chain and maybe odd pieces of plate, like a gorget on top, while the rich will wear a full harness of plate. Beaters usually wear lighter armour, either just a padded or leather jack or else a leather tunic like the ones worn by the Rangers in Lord of the Rings.

File:Marches gambeson.jpg

Gambeson

Padded Jacks are fairly simple, though time consuming, to make from cheap calico quilted to 'batting' used to stuff quilts. The very simplest way is to make a T-Tunic as detailed in the men's clothes section, and simply sew the batting to the calico panels in straight lines before sewing the pieces together. More historically accurate gambesons can be made by sewing channels into the jack and stuffing them with fabric. Instructions for various styles are below;

Brigandine

A good option for many Marchers with a bit of money is a brigandine, a series of overlapping metal plates inside a fabric shell. These can be home made, though require equipment to cut and rivet metal and take a lot of time and patience!

Tutorial on how to make brigandine Patterns from 14th 15th and 16th centuries.
Instructions and patterns
15th Century Archer

Livery

Any Marcher who owns farmland is a member of a Household, albeit perhaps a Household of one, and any Marcher Household can declare a livery. Members of the Household wear the livery colours in some way. Stewards of a Household that alies to a more powerful Household usually retain their own livery, or combine it with the new Households’ colours in some way. Households often wear matching livery jackets - and here's a guide, although simple sashes or badges are also effective ways of showing affiliation.

How to make a livery coat

Children's costumes

Children in the Marches can be dressed in scaled down versions of their parent's clothes. For toddlers and babies, traditional smocks, or simple t-tunics and drawstring trousers are simple and easy to pull-on garments, that can be made in linen or cotton for easy washing! These types of clothes also have plenty of flexibility in terms of size, meaning you'll get more than one year's use out of them. Small coifs, made as described above are great for keeping the sun off a baby's head and simple straw hats can also be used to stop children burning. Older children can either have their own costumes, or be given adult clothes which are then rolled up and belted to fit - the practical Marchers are unlikely to waste any clothing and hand me downs are a cheap (in and out of character!) way to clothe your children!

General tips for costume for children:

Robes that stop at knee - mid-calf will be less of a trip hazard
Headgear that can be very simply retied is great
Avoiding things that can pull around the neck is wise (strings on cloaks/hats on cords/ tabards that don't secure under the arms
Wider neck holes, sleeves and armholes will help with getting costume on and off, and leave room for growth

Inspiration

Take a look at some of the thinking that went into creating the Look and Feel of The Marches:

Colour Scheme

Historical Women's Wear Reference Material

As with military clothes, dresses can reflect household livery. 'Parti-coloured' (or split coloured) dresses look very effective. Lara Corset's website gives an excellent overview of all aspects of women's wardrobes in the late 1400s,

Matilda la Zouche's wardrobe follows the reconstruction of several historically accurate outfits for a broad medieval period.

Some general pattern books are available which cover all types of women's wear:

Historical Men's Wear Reference Material

T-tunic

Some general pattern books are available which cover all types of men's wear:

Reenactment Sources

Medieval re-enactment, Wars of the roses and 13th, 14th or 15th Century re-enactment will all provide helpful inspiration.

Guides to Livery

15th Century Livery
Livery coats
Standards, Badges & Livery Colours of the Wars of the Roses, Pat McGill & Jonathan Jones, Freezywater Publications
Heraldic Banners of the Wars of the Roses (3 vols), Pat McGill & Thomas Coveney, Frezywater Publications.
Medieval Art and Woodcraft make livery badges, banners and flags, signage, medical charts etc. to order

Books

The Medieval Soldier: 15th Century Campaign Life Recreated in Colour Photographs, Gerry Embleton & John Howe,
English Medieval Knight 1400-1500, Christopher Gravett, Osprey Publishing
The Great Warbow, Matthew Strickland & Robert Hardy, Sutton Publishing – probably the best accessible book you can get on the subject.
Arms and Armour of the Medieval Knight, David Edge & John Miles Paddock, Saturn Books

Costume sellers

The Midgard Seamstress Custom made UK LARP and Re-enactment costumes
Arm Street Medieval and Fantasy clothing from Russia (English language website)
Cloak’d and Dagger’d
Custom Costume Company Bespoke designs for re-enactors and roleplayers
Historic EnterprisesAmerican based costume company. Trades at TORM
Medieval Dress Company Clothing and leatherwork
Matuls Clothing, armour tents and camp accessories from Poland (English language website)
Revival Clothing
Sally Green
Sew-mill

Armourers

https://www.facebook.com/ArmourServices
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Medieval-Rats/147041485362649
http://www.armabohemia.cz/Novestr/homeA.htm
http://www.armorymarek.com/
http://www.bestarmour.com/
http://www.capapie.co.uk/
http://www.dtok.fsnet.co.uk/
http://www.lancasters-armourie.co.uk/
http://www.stgeorgearmouryshop.co.uk/index2.html
http://www.whiteroseapparel.com/
http://www.whiterosearmoury.com/
Darkblade studded leather armour
Totally Leathered Totally Leathered provides custom tooled leatherwork & bespoke armour.
Idiom Productions Costume and Props Workshop creates custom hand-tooled leather armour, clothing and LRP weapons

Leather items including shoes

Phil Fraser
Re-enactment shoes
Historical Shoes
Historic Shoes German company (English language website)
Ravenswood Leather Items America site. Non-historical leather items.

Fur and traditional materials

House of de Clifford Ethically sourced furs of all kinds
Candles for All Ages Tallow and Beeswax Candles
Herts Fabrics
Bernie the Bolt

Camping accessories and other bits

Sally Pointer Hats and bits and bobs
Smoke and Fire American company.
Medieval Market German company (English language website) – Clothing, furniture, and other items
Medieval Dress Company Clothing and leatherwork
Matuls Clothing, armour tents and camp accessories from Poland (English language website)
Reenactors Shop German company (English language website) Lots of bits and bobs, including camping accessories.
Medieval design 1st -16th century clothing, furniture and other historical products.

Flags, banners and livery badges

Medieval Art and Woodcraft Historical and historically inspired banners, flags and livery badges

Pewter and cast goods

Casts from the Past Pewter items including livery badges and some household items
The Quiet Press Historical buckles, brooches and other ornamental metalwork
Billy and Charlie's Finest Quality Pewter Goods American company. Pewter badges and other accessories.
HR-Replikate German company. Jewellery based on archeological finds (English language website)
Lionheart Replicas Pewterwear
Pewter Replicas Pewter badges, household items and livery collars

Wooden items

Douggie the Wood Wooden Furniture
Robin Wood Authentic wood turned historical items
Paul Atkin Bowls and other hand turned items

Tents

Canvas Tents

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-This guide will help you achieve a great looking Marches costume, with the minimum effort and expense!
+{{Costume Advice|[[The Marches look and feel]]}}
-There are three main sections which cover everything you'll need to know
-*[[#Inspiration|Inspiration]], images, ideas and general information
-*[[#Creation|Creation]]; details of individual garments and how to find or make them
-*[[#Assembly|Assembly]]; how to put it all together to create a n outfit for any character
-==<div id="Inspiration">Inspiration</div>==
+== Overview ==
-The Marches draws strongly on English history from the 12th century through to the War of the Roses for costume, weaponry and armour. This nation is intended to appeal strongly to re-enactors, partly because of the brief and style of the nation and partly because of the “low-fantasy” nature of the characters. The look is earthy, sober and simple.
+The Marches draws strongly on English history from the 12th century through to the Wars of the Roses for costume, weaponry and armour.  The look is earthy, sober and simple with plain flat colours of natural dyes and unbleached cloth. The fabrics are likewise natural - wool, calico, linen and leather combine to give a realistic look. Medieval re-enactments are a great source of inspiration for the look and feel of Marches territory - although unlike history, its worth noting that Marches society is gender neutral. Clothing is chosen according to the situation and activity, rather than through roles assigned to men or women.
-===Materials===
+"Pride in small things, loyalty to great ones"
-Natural fibres are best for the Marches - wool, calico, linen and leather all work well to give a earthy, realistic look.
-===Colours===
+==10 Quick Tips==
-Plain flat colours, mostly the soft colours of natural dyes or unbleached cloth. The palette is autumnal and natural dull blues, greys, browns/ rusts, mustards and greens, dull reds etc. especially at the lower end of the social scale. Wealthier Marchers will have deeper, brighter shades, but should stick to berry shades and jewel tones.
+* Charity shop fabric rails are a great source of wool blankets that can be made into staples of Marcher costume
+* With the popularity of medieval re-enactment, its very easy to buy off the peg hose, doublets, cote-hardie and other key pieces - just head for 12th - 15th Century, rather than Tudor kit when choosing on-line or at kit fairs.
+* Don't fancy hose? Don't worry. Any reasonably close fitting trousers in earthy or dark colours will look good for practical Marches characters.
+* Households and families are important in the Marches - displaying the house livery can be done cheaply through simple sashes or badges or if you fancy something a bit clearer, follow the guides for livery coats.
+* There are a range of options for practical footwear - from bespoke re-enactment shoes to simple desert boots - any soft leather or suede with simple ties, laces or side buckles will look good.
+* Worried about all that itchy wool and linen? Shirts and shifts are your friends, both are simple, loose and easily available in cotton and make a good part of the Marchers look. And whilst re-enactment markets are very useful for Marcher supplies, we're not looking for historical accuracy here - there's no expectation for you to be in itchy underwear!
+* For those playing a rich Marcher, it could be easy to make choices that make the costume seem very similar to neighbouring Dawn - by sticking to plain fabrics (wool, maybe velvet, but not silks or brocades) and choosing rich autumnal colours rather than bright summery ones confusion can be avoided
+* Marcher beaters who are likely to wear light leather armour can avoid being confused with Steinr and Navarr by staying away from furs and going for classic Marcher accessories. Bollock pouches are one example that are really simple to make and easily available to buy.
+* Want to indicate low status? Try adding an apron or leather trousers or swap a doublet for a sleeveless jerkin.
+* Want to show off high status? Try doing so very discreetly, with a rich lining or carefully chosen buttons rather than ostentatious trims and decoration.
-{{CaptionedImage|file=Marches_colour_scheme.png|width=}}
+==Making Guides and Examples==
-===Historical inspiration===
+===Tunics===
-{{CaptionedImage|file=medieval_farmers.gif|width=300px|align=right}}
+The simplest item a Marcher can wear is the T-tunic, which is a common garment throughout the Empire. In the Marches it will usually be undecorated, long sleeved and belted, and will commonly be worn by the lower classes, with hose or trousers and maybe a simple jerkin - usually made from linen or wool.
-The Marches is the nation that draws most inspiration from real world costume, based around the Medieval period of English history. Costumes should strongly evoke this period, although strict adherence to historical accuracy isn't required and a blending of styles from the medieval period, along with some fantasy elements, is expected. Much of the following information uses re-enactment or historical sources and terms simply to help you find further information on the sort of clothes to buy or make and aren't intended to intimidate the non-reenactor.
+*[http://www.virtue.to/articles/tunic_worksheet.html T-Tunic instructions]
-That said, when researching the styles of the medieval period, re-enactment really is a great place to start. The information about re-enactment costumes is everywhere and there are lots of excellent photos and drawings to get you stated. Goggle searches on [http://images.google.com/images?q=medieval+reenactment Medieval re-enactment], [http://images.google.com/images?q=war+of+the+roses+reenactment War of the roses] and [http://images.google.com/images?q=13th+century+reenactment 13th], [http://images.google.com/images?q=14th+century+reenactment 14th] or [http://images.google.com/images?q=15th+century+reenactment 15th] Century re-enactment will all provide helpful inspiration.
+*[http://www.angelfire.com/ia2/barony/newmembersguide/sewingtipstxt.html T-tunic instructions]
-Both men and women can chose to adhere to medieval 'gender norms' as much or as little as they like and this guide only splits men and women's clothes from a historical point of view for simplicity's sake!
+===Cotehardie===
+A more fitted version of the t-tunic, with central lacing is known as a Cotehardie - this comes in many lengths - from high on the thigh to floor length. It hangs best when made in heavier fabrics, and tends to denote higher status than a simple tunic.
+{{CaptionedImage|file=mens_cotehardie.jpg|width=200|align=right|caption=Cotehardie}}
+*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/pp23.html Period Patterns 23]
+*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH022.html Reconstructing History 022]
-====Women's costumes====
+<br clear="right"/>
-The key women's garments for the marches are [http://images.google.com/images?q=medieval+kirtle kirtles] and the [http://images.google.com/images?q=cotehardie cotehardie]. Usually both of these dresses would be wool, or possibly a heavy linen and would be worn over a thinner linen shift. Headwear for women is either scarves or wraps, but hoods are common too.
+===Doublet===
-Tudor style kirtles with a fitted bodice and gathered skirt are not suitable for the Marches.
+{{CaptionedImage|file=Marches_doublet.jpg|width=200|align=right|caption=Doublet}}
+A more complex and tailored option is the doublet, like the puffed shoulder, and the baggy upper arm. Doublets are usually between waist and thigh length and can fasten with buttons, lacing or hooks and eyes. Doublets are usually made of wool, but a heavier weight of linen will also work.
-====Men's costumes====
+* [http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH003.html Reconstructing History 003]
-Marcher men wear a number of variations of a tunic, [http://images.google.com/images?q=mens+cotehardie cotehardie], or more fitted [http://images.google.com/images?q=15th+century+doublet doublet]. Later style doublets, with slashing and intricate decoration as worn in the Tudor period are not suitable for the marches. Similarly, slashed 'landschneckt' styles are firmly within the nation of League and shouldn't be worn in the Marches.
-Doublets and cotes should be worn either with narrow fitting trousers, or [http://images.google.com/images?q=medieval+hose hose]. Hats and caps are common, as are hoods, often with  [http://images.google.com/images?q=liripipe liripipe] 'tails'.
+<br clear="right"/>
+===Shirts===
+{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume6.jpg|width=200|align=right|caption=Costume by [http://www.cloakedanddaggered.com/menu/13th-century/ Cloak'd and Dagger'd]}}
+A plain cotton or linen shirt with a round/key-hole neck or simple collar would usually be worn underneath both cotehardies and doublets. These help to soak up sweat as well as stopping the woollen garments from being too itchy.
-====TV and Films====
+Shirts can be worn on their own as an alternative to a tunic, perhaps with a leather jerkin over the top.
-There are lots of TV shows that are useful for Marcher research;
+*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH024.html Reconstructing History 024 - multi item pattern]
-[http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Pillars-Earth-DVD-McShane/dp/B003YCONXQ Pillars of the Earth], [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cadfael-Complete-Collection-Derek-Jacobi/dp/B004JSAVM6/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1343163818&sr=1-1 Cadfael], [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Henry-V-DVD-Kenneth-Branagh/dp/B00005AMEC/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1343163841&sr=1-1Kenneth Brannagh’s Henry V], [http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Blackadder-Historic-First-Series/dp/B00004CZS8/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1343163864&sr=8-6 Blackadder the First], [http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00s90hz The Hollow Crown] (which has an interesting interview with the costume designer to read on the [http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/tv/2012/07/henry-iv-v-shakespeare.shtml BBC website])
+*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH008.html Reconstructing History 008 - multi item pattern]
+*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH004.html Tunic style shirt]
-====Reenactment groups====
+<br clear="right"/>
-Some links to reenactment groups' costuming guides - a helpful source of inspiration and information.
-*[http://www.saint-sebastian.org.uk/kit.htm Company of Saint Sebastian]
-*[http://www.bucks-retinue.org.uk/content/view/15/29/ Buckingham’s Retinue]
-*[http://www.companie-of-st-george.ch/cms/?q=en%2FCostume_Guide Company of Saynt George]
-*[http://www.medieval-siege-society.co.uk/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=4Sz04pZNx4M%3D&tabid=130 The Medieval Siege Society]
-*[http://www.sthubertsrangers.org St Hubert's Rangers]
-====Pinterest Pages====
+===Legwear===
-* http://pinterest.com/laurenowen/c15th-kit/
+Marcher leg wear is practical and slim fitting.  Close fitting trousers are practical and easy to come by or make.
-* http://pinterest.com/nikgaukroger/marches/
-* http://pinterest.com/nikgaukroger/armour/
-====Bibliography====
+*[http://www.vikingsonline.org.uk/resources/authenticity/basickit/basickit5.html Basic trousers]
-*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Medieval-Tailors-Assistant-1200-1500/dp/0896762394/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341860986&sr=8-2 The Medieval Tailor’s Assistant, Sarah Thursfield] – Pretty much the bible for medieval costumes. Covers the layers from underwear to outerwear for the periods 1200-1500, plus headwear and accessories. Goes into detail about how to make the garments, which fabrics to use etc. A really excellent book.
-*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medieval-Military-Costume-Europa-Militaria/dp/1861263716/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341861038&sr=1-8 Medieval military costume, Gary Embleton] – Very useful book using colour photographs of live models. Goes into detail about everything from 13th Century foot soldiers to 15th Century knights, with sections on underwear, armour, women’s dress and Landsknechts.
-*[http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/3938922141/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me&seller Make Your Own Medieval Clothing for men], and for [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Your-Own-Medieval-Clothing/dp/393892215X/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1 women], by W. Zerkowski and R. Fuhrmann, plus Headwear and Shoes available on the [http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/assets/s2dmain.html?http://www.zauberfeder-shop.de/ German website]. Great books, giving designs for lots of different garments, though few instructions on how to make them. This would be more suitable for an experienced costume maker.
-===Similar nations===
+Hose is also easier to make and wear than you might think and can be very practical for both day to day wear and fighting:
-====Dawn====
-The nation needs to contrast with its neighbour Dawn. That nation is Arthurian high romance, the plate is gleaming, the colours glorious, bright and vivid. In the Marches everything should have a grubby, worn, lived in look to it. The Marches is Kenneth Brannagh’s Henry V rather than Laurence Olivier’s. While there will be similarities between Dawn and Marches, Marcher clothes should be made from rougher fabrics, in softer colours. The Marches should look far more real and gritty than Dawn, with the colours dimmed and the decoration stripped back. Skirts and doublets should be less sumptuous, with narrower hems and thinner trims.
-Higher class costumes will have a lot in common with average Dawn costumes, with richer colours and finer fabrics. Wealthy Marchers should still use a rich autumnal pallet of berry reds, jewel tone blues and greens and deep blacks, as opposed to the sunny and bright colours of the Dawn nobles. Riches should be shown discretely in the Marches, through subtle touches of finer fabrics, in a lining perhaps, or through fancy buttons on an otherwise plain garment, unlike the more obvious Dawnish show with deep fur trims, expensive fabrics and wide, flowing robes and skirts.
+Woollen hose come as split hose, which are two separate legs with or without integral feet, or joined hose which are one piece with a flap at the groin. Split hose should be worn with long braies, which are a mid thigh length, baggy boxer short style garment. Joined hose, and some split hose will tie or 'point' to either a doublet, or to a 'pourpoint' (literally meaning 'for pointing'), which is a waistcoat style top worn in much the same way as modern braces are! Split hose can also be held up by a belt, if they have loops at the tops of the legs.
-====Wintermark and Navarr====
+Both braies and  split hose are very easy to make from scratch, although joined hose are fairly complex to get the fit right, which is the vital component to stopping them splitting! The other important factor for making hose is to make them stretchy. This can be done by using boiled wool, which is naturally stretchy, or '[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bias_(textile) cutting on the bias]' to use fabric's natural stretchy-ness.
-There are also overlaps between the Marches beaters, Wintermark's Steinr and the Navarr. Marcher beaters tend to wear light leather armour and simple, earth tone clothes, much like the Steinr and Navarr. The beaters can be pulled more into the Marches by using later medieval period clothing, like jacks rather than tunics, and accessorising with typical Marcher items, like bullock pouches and long belts.
-The look should be simple and unadorned but still structured, avoiding the large amounts of furs, pieces of leather and paints that the Navarr might wear.
+*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH003.html Joined hose]
+*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH024.html Reconstructing History 024]
+*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH004.html Split hose]
-==<div id="Creation">Creation</div>==
+<row-fluid>
-===Women's costumes===
+<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=marches_hose.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
-Women's dresses for The Marches are long, lean and smooth and laced to fit. Back lacing shows a high status, as help is required to do your dress up.
+<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=marches_hose2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
+<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=marches_hose3.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
+</row-fluid>
-As with military clothes, dresses can reflect household livery. 'Parti-coloured' (or split coloured) dresses look very effective.
+====Braies====
-[http://www.laracorsets.com/15th_Cen_Womens_clothing.htm Lara Corset's] website gives an excellent overview of all aspects of women's wardrobes in the late 1400s,
+Braies are a type of trousers used as undergarments. They are a baggy boxer short style garment, generally hanging to the knees or mid-calf, resembling what are today called shorts.
+Split [[hose]] should be worn with long braies.
+*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH024.html Reconstructing History 024]
+*[http://www.larp.com/midgard/braies.htm  Midgard Basic Clothing Standards: Braies and Trousers]
+====Pourpoints====
+*[http://www.bucks-retinue.org.uk/content/view/69/82/ Pourpoint instructions]
-[http://matildalazouche.livejournal.com/ Matilda la Zouche's] wardrobe follows the reconstruction of several historically accurate outfits for a broad medieval period.
+===Dresses===
-Some general pattern books are available which cover all types of women's wear:
+{{CaptionedImage|file=Marches1.jpg|align=right|width=200|caption=Costume design by [http://www.jollydicey.co.uk Kate Dicey at Jolly Dicey]}}
-* [http://www.classhistory.co.uk/Herts%20Fabrics/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=47&product_id=240 Medieval Women's dress]
-* [http://www.classhistory.co.uk/Herts%20Fabrics/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=47&product_id=227 High medieval women's dress]
-* [http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Medieval-Tailors-Assistant-1200-1500/dp/0896762394/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341860986&sr=8-2 The Medieval Tailor’s Assistant]
-* [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Your-Own-Medieval-Clothing/dp/393892215X/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1 Make Your Own Medieval Clothing for women].
-* [http://www.neheleniapatterns.com/english/mag1314.html Nehelenia Patterns - Multi part pattern for men and women]
-There are a range of historical dresses which suit the Marches. The Kirtle is the basic pull on, t-shaped gown which was worn throughout northern Europe from the dark ages onwards. Later kirtles became more fitted and either button or lace up the front. These are often called cotehardies (there's also a shorter version of the cotehardie which men could wear). These dresses can also lace up the side, or in the back and can be as tight or loose as desired. They're usually worn over a lightweight underdress called a shift. All three of these dresses are straightforward to make either from patterns or from pattern diagrams and are easy to buy from both reenactment and LARP suppliers. Generally these dresses are made from wool, but heavier weights of linen or cotton are also suitable. The best looking dresses will be achieved by using fairly soft and heavy fabrics, as these create an attractively flowing skirt.
+Women's wear from the historical period offers the option of more fitted styling and longer lengths in a choice of simple dresses made in heavy flowing fabrics and worn over a lighter shift.
-These dresses can be worn with the skirt tucked into the belt at the front to display the shift underneath, or show off a fancy lining. Aprons can be added on top for lower status women as well.
+The kirtle is the basic pull on, t-shaped gown which was worn throughout northern Europe from the dark ages onwards. [http://images.google.com/images?q=medieval+kirtle kirtles] Later kirtles became more fitted and either button or lace up the front. These are often called cotehardies  These dresses can also lace up the side, or in the back(showing status as help is required!) and can be as tight or loose as desired.[http://images.google.com/images?q=cotehardie cotehardie] They're usually worn over a lightweight underdress called a shift which can be made by simply adding some panels to a t-tunic to allow for movement. All three of these dresses are straightforward to make either from patterns or from pattern diagrams and are easy to buy from both reenactment and LARP suppliers. Generally these dresses are made from wool, but heavier weights of linen or cotton are also suitable.
-Women might want to consider wearing some of the men's costumes described below, particularly if they're taking to the battlefield. Most of these clothes could also be adapted to flatter a female figure - thigh or knee length cotehardies and doublets could work as well as a shorter dress, and livery coats can be made to look more 'feminine' by tailoring them to the waist and lengthening the skirts.
+These dresses can be worn with the skirt tucked into the belt at the front to display the shift underneath, or show off a fancy lining.
 Some sources of information and patterns are given below.
@@ Line 108: / Line 115: @@
 ====Shifts====
 {{CaptionedImage|file=smock.jpg|width=100|align=right}}
-The shift, also called a smock or a chemise is a simple linen dress made the same way as a kirtle, but cut a little tighter and shorter to be worn as underwear. This style of under dress for women persisted unchanged well into the 18th Century.
-This sort of dress needs to be made of something that will be comfortable next to the skin, and is breathable - cotton or linen are the best fabrics fit this.
-Many traders sell very simple dresses that will be suitable for a shift, but these simple dresses are also very easy to make yourself. Patterns for classic T-tunics can be used to make this dress by making a very long tunic with narrow sleeves, though extra panels will be needed in the skirt to allow for movement.
 *[http://www.angelfire.com/ia2/barony/newmembersguide/sewingtipstxt.html T-tunic instructions]
-*[[How To - Make a Bliault]]
+*[[How to - Make a simple tunic]]
 *[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH018.html Reconstructing History pattern RH018]
 *[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH009.html Reconstructing History pattern RH009]
-===Men's costumes===
+===Headwear===
-Some general pattern books are available which cover all types of men's wear:
-* [http://www.classhistory.co.uk/Herts%20Fabrics/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=47&product_id=234 High Medieval men's dress]
-* [http://www.classhistory.co.uk/Herts%20Fabrics/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=47&product_id=229 Medieval men's dress]
-* [http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Medieval-Tailors-Assistant-1200-1500/dp/0896762394/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341860986&sr=8-2 The Medieval Tailor’s Assistant]
-* [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Your-Own-Medieval-Clothing/dp/3938922141/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_2 Make Your Own Medieval Clothing for Men]
-* [http://www.neheleniapatterns.com/english/mag1314.html Nehelenia Patterns - Multi part pattern for men and women]
-{{CaptionedImage|file=ttunic.jpg|width=300|align=right|caption=T-tunic}}
-The simplest item a Marcher man can wear is the T-tunic, which is a common garment throughout the Empire. Marcher men should stick to belted tunics with long sleeves, either no slits or a single slit in the front and no decoration. These tunics are a simple, loose fitting garment, and are most suitable for the lower classes.   The tunic can also be more form fitting, and fasten with lacing or buttons up the front. This type of garment is usually called a cotehardie, and can be any length from high on the thigh, to floor length. Tunics can be either linen or wool, while cotehardie work best in wool, although heavier linen can work well too.
-{{CaptionedImage|file=mens_cotehardie.jpg|width=200|align=right|caption=Cotehardie}}
-====Tunics====
-*[[How To - Make a Bliault]]
-*[http://www.virtue.to/articles/tunic_worksheet.html T-Tunic instructions]
-*[http://www.angelfire.com/ia2/barony/newmembersguide/sewingtipstxt.html T-tunic instructions]
-====Cotehardie====
-*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/pp23.html Period Patterns 23]
-*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH022.html Reconstructing History 022]
-====Doublet====
-{{CaptionedImage|file=Marches_doublet.jpg|width=200|align=right|caption=Doublet}}
-A more complex and tailored option is the doublet, which became popular later in the medieval period and featured some distinctive variations, like the puffed shoulder, and the baggy upper arm. Doublets are usually between waist and thigh length and can fasten with buttons, lacing or hooks and eyes. Doublets are usually made of wool, but a heavier weight of linen will also work.
-*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH003.html Reconstructing History 003]
-====Shirts====
-A cotton or linen shirt should be worn underneath cotehardies and doublets. This will help to soak up sweat and stop the woollen garments from being too itchy. Marcher shirt are simple, with round necks, small 'key-hole' necklines or simple collars.
-{{CaptionedImage|file=MarchesCostume6.jpg|width=200|align=right}}
-Shirts can be worn on their own as an alternative to a tunic, perhaps with a leather jerkin over the top.
-*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH024.html Reconstructing History 024 - multi item pattern]
-*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH008.html Reconstructing History 008 - multi item pattern]
-*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH004.html Tunic style shirt]
-====Hose - joined and split====
-Marcher leg wear is slim fitting. Trousers are fine, but effort should be made to keep them narrow. Woolen hose are the more historical alternative, and come as split hose, which are two separate legs with or without integral feet, or joined hose which are one piece with a flap at the groin. Split hose should be worn with long braies, which are a mid thigh length, baggy boxer short style garment. Joined hose, and some split hose will tie or 'point' to either a doublet, or to a 'pourpoint' (literally meaning 'for pointing'), which is a waistcoat style top worn in much the same way as modern braces are! Split hose can also be held up by a belt, if they have loops at the tops of the legs.
-Both braies and  split hose are very easy to make from scratch, although joined hose are fairly complex to get the fit right, which is the vital component to stopping them splitting. The other important factor for making hose is to make them stretchy. This can be done by using boiled wool, which is naturally stretchy, or '[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bias_(textile) cutting on the bias]' to use fabric's natural stretchy-ness. Hose are surprisingly easy to wear, as well as being comfortable and practical for day to day wear and for fighting.
-*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH003.html Joined hose]
-*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH024.html Reconstructing History 024]
-*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH004.html Split hose]
-<row-fluid>
-<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=marches_hose.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
-<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=marches_hose2.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
-<span4>{{CaptionedImage|file=marches_hose3.jpg|width=267}}</span4>
-</row-fluid>
-====Braies====
-*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH024.html Reconstructing History 024]
-====Pourpoints====
-*[http://www.bucks-retinue.org.uk/content/view/69/82/ Pourpoint instructions]
-====Trousers====
-Trousers can be made of wool or linen and any simple, slim fitting trouser will be fine for the Marches. Drawstring trousers are surprisingly simple to make, and most patterns for LARP or 'medieval' style trousers will be fine to use, don't forget that baggy or 'hero' style trousers aren't suitable!
-*[http://www.vikingsonline.org.uk/resources/authenticity/basickit/basickit5.html Basic trousers]
-===Unisex items===
 Most Marchers will wear some sort of headwear. [http://images.google.com/images?q=medieval+hood Hoods], [http://images.google.com/images?q=medieval+coif coifs], caps and hats all add to the Marcher look.
@@ Line 188: / Line 131: @@
 ====Hoods====
-Best made out of wool, or leather for beaters in particular. Another very variable garment with dozens of options for length, colour and decoration meaning a hood can be a simple or fancy as you like. [[file:Marches_sh.jpg|400px|right]]
+{{CaptionedImage|file=Marches_sh.jpg|width=400|align=right}}
+Best made out of wool, or leather for beaters in particular. Another very variable garment with dozens of options for length, colour and decoration meaning a hood can be a simple or fancy as you like.
 *[http://thehoodedhare.com/making_hoods.htm Good information and patterns for hoods]
 *[http://moirandalls.com/cowl.htm Cowl and hood]
@@ Line 195: / Line 139: @@
 *[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH009.html Reconstructing History 009 - Multiple women's head wear items]
+<br clear="right"/>
 ====Hats and caps====
 {{CaptionedImage|file=Marches_hats.png|width=400|align=right}}
-There are lots of hats suitable for the Marches, the key kinds are a simple skullcap, a square cap, an acorn cap and the bag or sack hat.
+There are lots of hats that would look great in the Marches, the key kinds are a simple skullcap, a square cap, an acorn cap and the bag or sack hat.
 *[http://www.cs.vassar.edu/~capriest/manshat.html Skullcap pattern]
 *[http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?um=1&hl=en&biw=1454&bih=650&tbm=isch&tbnid=lQy41c4wrbNPWM:&imgrefurl=http://www.strangelove.net/~kieser/Russia/easybreezy.html&docid=cdRJn3nCT3sP8M&imgurl=http://www.strangelove.net/~kieser/Russia/Garb/patternfurhat.bmp&w=340&h=325&ei=aQYQUMaNM-eS0QWK1ICYBg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=896&vpy=107&dur=319&hovh=219&hovw=230&tx=108&ty=98&sig=105106003821894614879&page=1&tbnh=141&tbnw=152&start=0&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:13,s:0,i:110 Skullcap pattern]
 *[http://sevenstarwheel.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/cap-pattern1.jpg Skullcap pattern]
-====Cloaks====
+<br clear="right"/>
+===Cloaks===
 Marchers, being a practical people, have plenty of options for keeping the rain off. Cloaks can be simple half circles, or luxurious full circles. They come with and without hoods, can be decorated by [http://images.google.com/images?q=dagged dagging] and fastened with pins, buttons or straps.
 There are a good list of cloak patterns given [http://www.servantsofthelight.org/knowledge/makingrobes.html on this website].
@@ Line 208: / Line 154: @@
 *[http://www.neheleniapatterns.com/english/rh145.html Nehelenia Patterns - Men's tabard cape]
-====Shoes====
+===Shoes===
 {{CaptionedImage|file=Marches_shoes.jpg|width=200|align=right}}
 {{CaptionedImage|file=Marches_shoes2.jpg|width=200|align=right}}
-To stick with the classic medieval look for the Marches, a good style of shoe for men and women is the low ankle boot. These are readily available from re-enactment suppliers and with a little skill can also be made at home.
+For those who'd like to make their own shoes:
+[http://www.classhistory.co.uk/Herts%20Fabrics/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=47&product_id=238 Medieval shoe pattern]
-An excellent modern substitute is the desert boot. These can be bought in most shoe shops, and online and have the benefits of being cheap and having a waterproof sole.
+Otherwise desert boots, and other soft leather and suede boots can work well, as can re-enactment specialised supplies. Boots for the rich can rise far higher than the ankle - even over the knee in some cases.
-Boots should be made of soft leather or suede and either buckle up the side, or tie or lace up. Boots for the rich can rise far higher than the ankle - even over the knee in some cases. Moccasin style boots without any tassels and other soft leather boots make a reasonable substitute for reeanctment boots.
+===Armour===
+====Jacks====
+Poor Marchers may wear just a plain coloured padded jack or gambeson as their only armour. Wealthier yeomen have jacks in their household colours and mail or plate over the top if they have it. Richer people will add chain and maybe odd pieces of plate, like a gorget on top, while the rich will wear a full harness of plate. Beaters usually wear lighter armour, either just a padded or leather jack or else a leather tunic like the ones worn by the Rangers in Lord of the Rings.
+{{CaptionedImage|file=marches_gambeson.jpg|width=200|align=right|caption=Gambeson}}
+Padded Jacks are fairly simple, though time consuming, to make from cheap calico quilted to 'batting' used to stuff quilts. The very simplest way is to make a T-Tunic as detailed in the men's clothes section, and simply sew the batting to the calico panels in straight lines before sewing the pieces together. More historically accurate gambesons can be made by sewing channels into the jack and stuffing them with fabric. Instructions for various styles are below;
+*[http://whitemountainarmoury.com/pdfs/armingCoat.pdf Batting stuffed gambeson]
+*[http://www.aemma.org/misc/gambeson_instructions.pdf Simple batting stuffed gambeson]
+*[http://costumegirl.wordpress.com/2010/04/01/the-making-of-a-medieval-gambeson/ Handmade linen gambeson]
+*[http://wychwood.wikidot.com/kit-padding Stuffed jack]
+*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/pp101.html Padded gambesons]
+*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/pp102.html Various arming clothes - coifs, jacks and coat of plates]
+*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH023.html Arming coat]
+*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH021.html Historical arming coat]
+*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH006.html Fancy arming coat]
+{{CaptionedImage|file=marches_brigandine.jpg|width=100|align=right|caption=Brigandine}}
+====Brigandine====
+A good option for many Marchers with a bit of money is a brigandine, a series of overlapping metal plates inside a fabric shell. These can be home made, though require equipment to cut and rivet metal and take a lot of time and patience!
+*[http://howtomakearmour.blogspot.co.uk/ Tutorial on how to make brigandine] Patterns from 14th 15th and 16th centuries.
+*[http://www.eskimo.com/~cwn/brig_craig1.html Instructions and patterns]
+*[http://www.historiclife.com/pdf/KASF2008/15thCenturyArcher.pdf 15th Century Archer]
+===Livery===
+Any Marcher who owns farmland is a member of a Household, albeit perhaps a Household of one, and any Marcher Household can declare a livery. Members of the Household wear the livery colours in some way. Stewards of a Household that alies to a more powerful Household usually retain their own livery, or combine it with the new Households’ colours in some way. Households often wear matching livery jackets - and here's a guide, although simple sashes or badges are also effective ways of showing affiliation.
+*[http://www.saint-sebastian.org.uk/k_livery.htm How to make a livery coat]
-[http://www.classhistory.co.uk/Herts%20Fabrics/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=47&product_id=238 Medieval shoe pattern]
+{{CaptionedImage|file=MG0690.jpg|width=400|align=right}}
 ===Children's costumes===
 Children in the Marches can be dressed in scaled down versions of their parent's clothes. For toddlers and babies, traditional smocks, or simple t-tunics and drawstring trousers are simple and easy to pull-on garments, that can be made in linen or cotton for easy washing! These types of clothes also have plenty of flexibility in terms of size, meaning you'll get more than one year's use out of them. Small coifs, made as described above are great for keeping the sun off a baby's head and simple straw hats can also be used to stop children burning. Older children can either have their own costumes, or be given adult clothes which are then rolled up and belted to fit - the practical Marchers are unlikely to waste any clothing and hand me downs are a cheap (in and out of character!) way to clothe your children!
-When making costumes for smaller children, remember to avoid anything tight around the neck - strings, cloaks, hats on cords etc and in addition, all tabards should secure under the arms. Make sleeves and armholes wider than needed; they're the bits that get tight as they grow. Neck holes also need to be bigger than for adults or should fasten at the back.
+General tips for costume for children:
+* Robes that stop at knee - mid-calf will be less of a trip hazard
+* Headgear that can be very simply retied is great
+* Avoiding things that can pull around the neck is wise (strings on cloaks/hats on cords/ tabards that don't secure under the arms
+* Wider neck holes, sleeves and armholes will help with getting costume on and off, and leave room for growth
-{{CaptionedImage|file=marches_child_hats.jpg|width=400|align=right}}
 *[http://www.mathildegirlgenius.com/Documentation/KASF2006/InfantOutfit.pdf Information on clothes and swaddling for babies]
 *[http://www.neheleniapatterns.com/english/mae1215.html Patterns for Medieval children's clothes]
-*[http://www.fabric-dreams.co.uk/Children/Burda-Schnitt-Muster-historisches-Kleid-Gr-98-128::8480.html Girls' dresses]
+*[http://www.fabric-dreams.co.uk/Children/Burda-Schnitt-Muster-historisches-Kleid-Gr-98-128::8480.html Childrens' dresses]
-*[http://www.habithat.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/11742 Boys' tunic and cloak]
+*[http://www.fabric-dreams.co.uk/Carneval-Costumes/Burda-Schnitt-Muster-Karnevalskostuem-Musketier-104-140::8481.html Childrens' shirt, tunic and hood]
-*[http://www.fabric-dreams.co.uk/Carneval-Costumes/Burda-Schnitt-Muster-Karnevalskostuem-Musketier-104-140::8481.html Boys' shirt, tunic and hood]
 *[http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m5499-products-8715.php?page_id=915 'Mother and Daughter' dresses]
@@ Line 235: / Line 208: @@
 *[http://www.gambeson.pl/medieval-on-line-shop/medieval-clothing-for-kids.html Gambeson's Premade items for children]
-==<div id="Assembly">Assembly</div>==
+==Inspiration==
-===High status characters===
-Wealthier characters might wear finer robes but wool not silk.
-Back lacing shows higher status
+Take a look at some of the thinking that went into creating the Look and Feel of The Marches:
-Dresses can be worn with the skirt tucked into the belt at the front to show off a fancy lining.
+===Colour Scheme===
+{{CaptionedImage|file=Marches_colour_scheme.png|width=}}
-===Middle status characters===
+===Historical Women's Wear Reference Material===
+As with military clothes, dresses can reflect household livery. 'Parti-coloured' (or split coloured) dresses look very effective.
+[http://www.laracorsets.com/15th_Cen_Womens_clothing.htm Lara Corset's] website gives an excellent overview of all aspects of women's wardrobes in the late 1400s,
-===Low status characters===
+[http://matildalazouche.livejournal.com/ Matilda la Zouche's] wardrobe follows the reconstruction of several historically accurate outfits for a broad medieval period.
-Workers might wear sleeveless jerkins and leather trousers.
-Aprons can be added on top of dresses for lower class women.
+Some general pattern books are available which cover all types of women's wear:
+* [http://www.classhistory.co.uk/Herts%20Fabrics/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=47&product_id=240 Medieval Women's dress]
+* [http://www.classhistory.co.uk/Herts%20Fabrics/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=47&product_id=227 High medieval women's dress]
+* [http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Medieval-Tailors-Assistant-1200-1500/dp/0896762394/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341860986&sr=8-2 The Medieval Tailor’s Assistant]
+* [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Your-Own-Medieval-Clothing/dp/393892215X/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_1 Make Your Own Medieval Clothing for women].
+* [http://www.neheleniapatterns.com/english/mag1314.html Nehelenia Patterns - Multi part pattern for men and women]
-===Monks===
+===Historical Men's Wear Reference Material===
-Both male and female monks wear traditional plain monks habit either in dark colours, or white with a dark scapula.
+{{CaptionedImage|file=ttunic.jpg|width=300|align=right|caption=T-tunic}}
+Some general pattern books are available which cover all types of men's wear:
-===Marcher soldier===
+* [http://www.classhistory.co.uk/Herts%20Fabrics/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=47&product_id=234 High Medieval men's dress]
+* [http://www.classhistory.co.uk/Herts%20Fabrics/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=47&product_id=229 Medieval men's dress]
+* [http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Medieval-Tailors-Assistant-1200-1500/dp/0896762394/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341860986&sr=8-2 The Medieval Tailor’s Assistant]
+* [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Your-Own-Medieval-Clothing/dp/3938922141/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_2 Make Your Own Medieval Clothing for Men]
+* [http://www.neheleniapatterns.com/english/mag1314.html Nehelenia Patterns - Multi part pattern for men and women]
-===Stewards and Wardens===
+===Reenactment Sources===
-The head of a Household, a Steward, wears richer colours, but wool not silk.
+[http://images.google.com/images?q=medieval+reenactment Medieval re-enactment], [http://images.google.com/images?q=wars+of+the+roses+reenactment Wars of the roses] and [http://images.google.com/images?q=13th+century+reenactment 13th], [http://images.google.com/images?q=14th+century+reenactment 14th] or [http://images.google.com/images?q=15th+century+reenactment 15th] Century re-enactment will all provide helpful inspiration.
-===Beaters===
-Beaters are skilled trackers and gamekeepers. They watch the borders of the Marches. They are inspired by the classic British archers of the period mixed with the Rangers of Ithilien from Lord of the Rings.
-Beaters usually wear lighter armour, either just a padded or leather jack or else a leather tunic like the ones worn by the Rangers in Lord of the Rings.
-===Landskeepers===
-Some landskeepers wear robes, similar to the monk, but waistcoat-shirt-and-hose, with rolled-up sleeves is a good alternative.
-==Armour==
-===Jacks===
-Poor Marchers may wear just a plain coloured padded jack or gambeson as their only armour. Wealthier Yeomen have jacks in their Household colours and mail or plate over the top if they have it. Richer people will add chain and maybe odd pieces of plate, like a gorget on top, while the rich will wear a full harness of plate. Beaters usually wear lighter armour, either just a padded or leather jack or else a leather tunic like the ones worn by the Rangers in Lord of the Rings.
-{{CaptionedImage|file=marches_gambeson.jpg|width=200|align=right|caption=Gambeson}}
-Padded Jacks are fairly simple, though time consuming, to make from cheap calico quilted to 'batting' used to stuff quilts. The very simplest way is to make a T-Tunic as detailed in the men's clothes section, and simply sew the batting to the calico panels in straight lines before sewing the pieces together. More historically accurate gambesons can be made by sewing channels into the jack and stuffing them with fabric. Instructions for various styles are below;
-*[http://whitemountainarmoury.com/pdfs/armingCoat.pdf Batting stuffed gambeson]
-*[http://www.aemma.org/misc/gambeson_instructions.pdf Simple batting stuffed gambeson]
-*[http://costumegirl.wordpress.com/2010/04/01/the-making-of-a-medieval-gambeson/ Handmade linen gambeson]
-*[http://wychwood.wikidot.com/kit-padding Stuffed jack]
-*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/pp101.html Padded gambesons]
-*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/pp102.html Various arming clothes - coifs, jacks and coat of plates]
-*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH023.html Arming coat]
-*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH021.html Historical arming coat]
-*[http://www.paulmeekins.co.uk/patterns/patternpages/RH006.html Fancy arming coat]
-{{CaptionedImage|file=marches_brigandine.jpg|width=100|align=right|caption=Brigandine}}
-===Brigandine===
-A good option for many Marchers with a bit of money is a brigandine, a series of overlapping metal plates inside a fabric shell. These can be home made, though require equipment to cut and rivet metal and take a lot of time and patience!
-*[http://howtomakearmour.blogspot.co.uk/ Tutorial on how to make brigandine] Patterns from 14th 15th and 16th centuries.
-*[http://www.eskimo.com/~cwn/brig_craig1.html Instructions and patterns]
-*[http://www.historiclife.com/pdf/KASF2008/15thCenturyArcher.pdf 15th Century Archer]
-{{CaptionedImage|file=marches_livery.jpg|width=300|align=right}}
+===Guides to Livery===
-===Livery===
-Any Marcher who owns farmland is a member of a Household, albeit perhaps a Household of one, and any Marcher Household can declare a livery. Members of the Household wear the livery colours in some way – perhaps as a coat, or perhaps as a simple sash or badge. Stewards of a Household that alies to a more powerful Household usually retain their own livery, or combine it with the new Households’ colours in some way. Households often wear matching livery jackets, although simple sashes or badges are also used to denote affiliation. Livery colours and badges can be repeated in civilian wear, and on banners, flags and camp decoration to identify and unite your group.
-*[http://www.saint-sebastian.org.uk/k_livery.htm How to make a livery coat]
 *[http://www.historiclife.com/pdf/KASF2008/15thCenturyLivery.pdf 15th Century Livery]
 *[http://www.bucks-retinue.org.uk/content/view/177/243/ Livery coats]
 *[http://www.vexillia.ltd.uk/common/shop_books.html#5 Standards, Badges & Livery Colours of the Wars of the Roses], Pat McGill & Jonathan Jones, Freezywater Publications
 *[http://www.vexillia.ltd.uk/common/shop_books.html#5 Heraldic Banners of the Wars of the Roses] (3 vols), Pat McGill & Thomas Coveney, Frezywater Publications.
+*[http://www.medievalartandwoodcraft.com Medieval Art and Woodcraft] make livery badges, banners and flags, signage, medical charts etc. to order
 ===Books===
@@ Line 302: / Line 253: @@
 * Arms and Armour of the Medieval Knight, David Edge & John Miles Paddock, Saturn Books
-==Weapons==
-Bows are common, particularly for poorer characters. In hand-to-hand combat Marchers favour bills and other pole-arms.Two handed swords are common for richer characters in heavier armour, or warhammers, maces or poleaxes.
-Any historical weapons from the Hundred Years War and the War of the Roses are good, bollock daggers, axes, falchions, mauls, warhammers, poleaxes and bills.
-Shields are uncommon in the Marches, the most common are small metal bucklers when they are used at all.
-==Shops==
 ===Costume sellers===
-*[http://www.sallygreen.co.uk Sally Green]
+*[https://www.facebook.com/themidgardseamstress The Midgard Seamstress] Custom made UK LARP and Re-enactment costumes
+*[http://armstreet.com/ Arm Street] Medieval and Fantasy clothing from Russia (English language website)
+*[http://www.cloakedanddaggered.com Cloak’d and Dagger’d]
+*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/customcostumecompany/ Custom Costume Company] Bespoke designs for re-enactors and roleplayers
+*[http://historicenterprises.com Historic Enterprises]American based costume company. Trades at TORM
 *[http://medievaldresscompany.com/index.htm Medieval Dress Company] Clothing and leatherwork
 *[http://www.matuls.pl/index.php?IDP=1&Lng=en Matuls] Clothing, armour tents and camp accessories from Poland (English language website)
 *[http://www.revivalclothing.com/ Revival Clothing]
-*[http://historicenterprises.com Historic Enterprises]American based costume company. Trades at TORM
+*[http://www.sallygreen.co.uk Sally Green]
-*[http://www.cloakedanddaggered.com Cloak’d and Dagger’d]
 *[http://www.sew-mill.com Sew-mill]
-*[http://armstreet.com/ Arm Street] Medieval and Fantasy clothing from Russia (English language website)
-*[http://www.facebook.com/midgardseamstress Midgard Seamstress] UK LARP and Re-enactment costumes
 ===Armourers===
@@ Line 332: / Line 277: @@
 *http://www.whiteroseapparel.com/
 *http://www.whiterosearmoury.com/
+*[http://www.darkbladeuk.co.uk/EMPIRE-LARP/Marches/c-1-114-121/ Darkblade] studded leather armour
+* [https://www.facebook.com/TotallyLeathered Totally Leathered] [[Totally Leathered]] provides custom tooled leatherwork & bespoke armour.
+* [[Idiom Productions]] Costume and Props Workshop creates custom hand-tooled leather armour, clothing and LRP weapons
 ===Leather items including shoes===
@@ Line 340: / Line 288: @@
 *[http://ravenswoodleather.com/index.php?p=home Ravenswood Leather Items] America site. Non-historical leather items.
-===Fur and Traditional materials===
+===Fur and traditional materials===
 *[http://www.houseofdeclifford.co.uk/ House of de Clifford] Ethically sourced furs of all kinds
 *[http://www.candles-for-all-ages.com/ Candles for All Ages] Tallow and Beeswax Candles
@@ Line 358: / Line 306: @@
 *[http://www.medievalartandwoodcraft.com Medieval Art and Woodcraft] Historical and historically inspired banners, flags and livery badges
-===Pewter and Cast Goods===
+===Pewter and cast goods===
 *[http://www.castsfromthepast.co.uk/main.htm Casts from the Past] Pewter items including livery badges and some household items
 *[https://www.quietpress.com/ The Quiet Press] Historical buckles, brooches and other ornamental metalwork
@@ Line 375: / Line 323: @@
 [[Category:Costume]]
-[[Category:The Marches]]
+{{The Marches Links}}
-[[Category:The Empire]]

The Marches costumes

Latest revision as of 15:29, 12 January 2022

Overview

10 Quick Tips

Making Guides and Examples

Tunics

Cotehardie

Doublet

Shirts

Legwear

Braies

Pourpoints

Dresses

Kirtles

Cotehardies

Shifts

Headwear

Coifs

Hoods

Hats and caps

Cloaks

Shoes

Armour

Jacks

Brigandine

Livery

Children's costumes

Inspiration

Colour Scheme

Historical Women's Wear Reference Material

Historical Men's Wear Reference Material

Reenactment Sources

Guides to Livery

Books

Costume sellers

Armourers

Leather items including shoes

Fur and traditional materials

Camping accessories and other bits

Flags, banners and livery badges

Pewter and cast goods

Wooden items

Tents

Further Reading

Profound Decisions[edit | | ]

Community[edit | | ]

Wiki Editors[edit | | ]