Guides
Guides
Medieval vs Renaissance Clothing: How to Tell Them Apart
Medieval or Renaissance? How clothes changed from loose, belted tunics to fitted bodices and doublets, the quick visual clues, and how to build each look.
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Corset vs Bodice: What's the Difference?
Corset or bodice? What each one is, how they differ in shape, boning and comfort, and which works best for a Renaissance faire or LARP outfit.
What Is a Gambeson? The Padded Coat Behind Every Knight
A gambeson is a quilted, padded coat worn as armour or under armour in the Middle Ages. What it was for, gambeson vs aketon vs arming doublet, and how to wear one today.
LARP Leather Armour: A Simple Guide to Pieces, Fit and Safety
A plain-English guide to LARP leather armour: the main pieces, faux leather vs real leather, and how to fit armour over your clothes.
Belt Pouches and Coin Purses: Which One Do You Need?
Which belt pouch fits a phone, which is just for coins, leather or faux leather, drawstring or flap: a simple guide to medieval belt pouches and coin purses.
How to Tie a Medieval Belt (and What to Hang on It)
How to tie a medieval belt the simple way, how to wear a ring belt or knot belt, where the belt should sit, and how to hang a pouch, key ring or horn from it.
Bracers vs Vambraces: What They Are and How to Wear Them
Bracers or vambraces? What each word means, how long a bracer should be, laced vs buckled, how to wear them, and which design suits your character.
Medieval Boots: What to Wear on Your Feet at a Faire
How to choose medieval and Renaissance boots for faires and LARP: the main styles, how to size boots by foot length, breaking them in, and when gaiters make more sense.
Medieval Trousers and Skirts: What to Wear on the Bottom Half
Medieval and Renaissance trousers and skirts made simple: which styles suit which characters, how long they should be, and how to wear them with boots.
Renaissance Dresses: A Simple Guide to the Layers
How a Renaissance dress works: the blouse or chemise, the laced dress or bodice, the skirt and petticoat. How to choose, layer and size your dress for the faire.
Medieval Tunics: How to Choose and Wear One
What a medieval tunic is, how long it should be, how to belt it, and which style suits a Viking, ranger, peasant or knight. With sizing tips.
How to Wear a Cloak: Hooded Cloaks and Capes Explained
Cloak or cape? How long it should be, how to fasten it, and how to wear a hooded cloak all day without it pulling at your neck. With styling ideas.
