Many faires run through late spring and summer, and heat is the most common reason a great day ends early. The good news: period-style clothing can be cool to wear, as long as you choose the right fabrics and skip a few layers. Here's how.
In short
- Choose cotton, linen blends and ramie. They breathe.
- Wear fewer, looser layers and lighter colours.
- Save velvet, faux fur and armour for cooler days, or wear just one piece.
- Arrive early, drink often and rest in the shade between shows.
Start with fabric
Fabric matters more than anything else on a hot day. Plant fibres such as cotton, linen and ramie let air through and dry quickly. Polyester, velvet and fur-look fabrics hold heat against the skin. Faux leather pieces like bracers, belts and pauldrons don't breathe at all, so keep them few on a hot day. Reenactors who fight in full kit say the same: the padded layer is the heat trap, not the steel.
Every LARPLAY product page names the real fabric, so you can check before you buy. Our fabric guide explains the differences.
Cool outfits for women
- The sleeveless dress. The Square-Neck Lace-Up Renaissance Dress is a cotton-linen blend with no sleeves. Wear it over a light cotton top rather than a full-sleeved blouse when it's very hot.
- Skirt and blouse. The Drawstring Ramie Skirt is a light plant fibre in fifteen colours. Pair it with a loose cotton blouse.
- The petticoat on its own. The Lace-Hem Cotton Petticoat is light cotton and works as a summer skirt by itself.
Cool outfits for men
- Short sleeves. The Short-Sleeve V-Neck Tunic is a cotton-linen base layer for a Viking or peasant look. Belt it over light trousers.
- Sleeveless. The Sleeveless Cotton Tunic keeps a ranger outline. On hot days, wear it over a light short-sleeve shirt instead of a long-sleeved one.
- Loose trousers. The Laced Trousers with Ankle Ties are a cotton-linen blend and tie at the ankle to keep the dust out.
Shop breathable pieces
Colour and accessories
- Light colours such as cream, natural, light blue and pale green reflect the sun. Black looks great but gets hot.
- A hat with a brim does more for you than any other accessory.
- One statement piece. One bracer or one belt set says “character” without wrapping you in faux leather.
- Carry the cloak. Wear it for photos and in the evening, not at midday.
Plan the day around the heat
- Arrive when the gates open and see the busiest areas before midday.
- Drink water before you feel thirsty, and refill at every chance.
- Choose shaded stages for the middle of the day.
- Cool your neck and wrists with a damp cloth.
- If you feel dizzy, sick or stop sweating, get into the shade and find the first aid tent.
Questions people ask
What is the coolest fabric to wear to a faire?
Linen and cotton, followed by ramie and cotton-linen blends. They breathe and dry fast.
Can I wear shorts under a skirt?
Yes. Light shorts under a long skirt stop chafing and nobody will know.
Should I wear armour on a hot day?
Only if you love it. Armour adds a warm layer, so wear fewer pieces and take them off between photos.
