The barbarian is all outline: big shoulders, a wide belt, bare or bracered arms and heavy boots. It's a bold look that's easier to build than it seems, and it photographs brilliantly. Here's how to put together a barbarian, a gladiator or a warlord.
In short
- Start with a plain tunic in a dark or earthy colour.
- Add bulk at the shoulders with fur-look pieces.
- A wide belt and a strip skirt give the warrior's waist.
- Studded bracers and boots or gaiters finish it.
Look 1: the northern barbarian
A dark tunic, such as the Cotton Viking Tunic in dark brown or black, belted with the Wide Double-Buckle Celtic Belt. On the shoulders, the Viking Faux Fur Shoulder Cape or the Fur-Look Single Pauldron. On the arms, the Studded Bracer with Fur-Look Trim.
Look 2: the gladiator
A short tunic in red or cream with the Faux Leather Roman Strip Skirt over it. The skirt is 37 cm long and adjustable, in black, brown, coffee or wine red. Add one pauldron, a bracer and sandals or low boots.
Look 3: the warlord
Go big. The Double Shoulder Armour covers both shoulders in one harness, in black or coffee. Layer the fur cape on top, add the wide belt, a Gold-Stud Pentagon Bracer on each arm and the Lace-Up Studded Gaiters over your boots.
Shop the barbarian look
Barbarian looks for women
A long tunic or tunic dress with a wide belt, the fur cape over the shoulders, a pair of studded bracers and gaiters over boots. Braid the hair and keep jewellery chunky and simple.
Make it look right
- Asymmetry: one pauldron looks wilder than two.
- Mixed textures: fur-look next to studded faux leather next to cotton.
- Weathering: a little dust on the boots looks more real than shiny new kit.
Practical notes
- Fur-look and faux leather are warm. On a hot day, wear one shoulder piece instead of a full cape.
- The fur pieces are acrylic faux fur or fur-look panels, not real fur.
- Our armour is faux leather, so it stays light enough to wear all day.
- Faux leather copes with a shower. Wipe it dry afterwards.
Questions people ask
What does a barbarian costume need?
A tunic, something big on the shoulders, a wide belt, bracers and boots. A strip skirt or a fur cape takes it further.
Is the fur real?
No. Our fur pieces are acrylic faux fur or fur-look panels.
