Medieval Costume Level Up!

[@rickardspaghetti]

Level 100: The Burgundian knight. There's no purple like Byzantine purple, and where to buy the best gilded armour to flex on the emperor himself! "Gucci!? My serfs wear Gucci!"

[@brucelee3388]

Byzantine aka Tyrian or Murex purple = the real thing made you smell like rotting seafood if it got damp, even humid day level of damp. If you were rich enough to buy the dyed cloth, you were rich/important enough that people would still make 'kissy face' even if you smelt like a pile of old shellfish. :-)

[@stevenmarshall653]

*crashes through walls of Constantinople* It smells like BITCH in here

[@corinnekoladay4392]

Ever see a dedicated Landsknecht?! That's a lvl 100!

[@thelastoferrathen613]

Level 1000: Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, who was basically the leader of the known world who LARPed as a knight with the finest and most badass suits of armor ever made.

[@Fella_friend]

Level 1000. You get in a time machine and be a knight for 15 years and return with all the gear you’ve accumulated.

[@lylachristopherson865]

I bought some leather belts at a thrift shop. They were crispy, dried out but very long. I brought them back to life by soaking them in coconut oil. Lots of coconut oil. They have a new life and were literally one dollar each. They work very well.

[@yuritrasimaco5201]

Shadiversity: WHAT ABOUT DRAGONS!? Metatron: MAH PASTA! Living Anacronism: NO. SNEAKERS. It's really good to see you're building your character in the community already!

[@LivingAnachronism]

Don't forget "LOTR always gets a pass!"

[@robertmacdonald6592]

Poor Shad looks like Baby New Year rn after shaving.

[@theeffete3396]

Nah, Shad is more like... MACHICOLATIONS !!! and don't forget Matt Easton : "Cheers, folks."

[@ericanderson4436]

Now I want a 3 way Collab video

[@LivingAnachronism]

@@ericanderson4436 So do I haha! But they are quite busy, and much bigger than I. I can hope, but know that is unlikely for a while. But if you guys want to see it, push for it, maybe it can happen!

[@Cascadejackal]

Some stuff I've learned through experience. Pouches are VERY useful. I've always got at least three on my faire gear, typically five, and they all have a purpose. A wide pouch on the back of my belt that holds my repair kit (super glue, leather cord and lacing, leather and cloth sewing kit, a shepherd's crook pin, etc) is ALWAYS part of my kit. It weighs basically nothing and has saved me a lot of trouble on events. The tools don't have to be period accurate since probably the only time they're gonna be seen is when something breaks, but you can get some neat stuff like scissors, small shears or my favorite and most-used thing, the shepherd's crook pin/awl, that are either accurate or at least look the part. One pouch for modern stuff if I need it. Wallet, phone, etc. At least one pouch for general storage, probably with a cloth bag in it for extra carrying capacity. Extra pouches are also for carrying stuff. If you get and plan to use a waterskin or costrel, carry it around for a while before any events! It might not seem like much weight, but after an hour or so it can be VERY annoying at least. Get used to it, work out the most comfortable way of lugging it around. Resize or replace straps, cords or ropes if they're not long enough for easy carry or become painful when carrying a full litre of water around for a while. Don't go for expensive antlers or horns if you're just starting out working with them. You can buy dog chews that are literally a full (goat, I think) horn for much less, and they're much nicer looking than you might expect. I've made a beard comb, beads, pendants and toggles out of stuff I got from the pet shop, and they look great. Carve them, polish them, paint them, or just hack the tip off, thread some cord through and wear it. Just, uh, wear face protection when working with horn. That dust is nasty. Oh, and if you need to burn some hair off the base, do it outside.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Great advice!

[@jonc2914]

Farb

[@WhatIfBrigade]

"Do you use antlers in all of your decorating?" lol, Ok Gaston.

[@ChazMissionMoore]

That got me rolling

[@alexandrenicolier5925]

To the question "Why are you wanting to have medieval clothes?" I just respond "man, I don't like modern way of clothing, if I could be wearing medieval style clothes everyday, I would do it !

[@longsword1969]

I'm so glad you said the woman shoes thing it's amazing how many awsome medieval looking shoes women options there are.

[@Tuilelen]

Definitely one of the cooler perks of being a woman: the dress and shoe options are much more creative, varied, and fun.

[@kshni_ammat]

Belt tat is what takes one from 'just a nobody' to 'someone with a story'. Also, adding trim or embroidery to ready-made kit personalises it and takes the garments to 'someone with a story' even if it's just a visible running stitch along the edge or seam, or a visible blanket stitch on the edge.

[@Gilleban]

I agree...there are often cultural reasons for it as well, but if nothing else it can take a store/shop-bought garment and make it look at least moderately "hand-made" even if it isn't. heaven help you if you actually turn out to be good at it...I had a shirt that I'd made for a faire and, as something to do that made my kit look that much nicer, I added a bit of embroidery to the sleeves of my shirt...I found myself doing a favor for another guild and one of the ladies first complimented the trim but, in finding out I'd embroidered it myself, I soon had half that guild eyeballing my clothing in greater detail.

[@mrjones2721]

@@GillebanBut avoid using the “embroidery” stitches that come with most modern sewing machines-especially the fancy ones you immediately want to use. They’re obvious, and everyone with a sewing machine will recognize stitch #27.

[@marthdaeglin]

The bracers point got me! My first garb purchase was a set of braces with articulated hand guards and really ornate designs and dye-work. Very pretty, very out of place on anyone but a very well-to-do noble. I got my first wool tunic for a Halloween costume last year, now I wish I had gotten one much earlier. Completely agree that a tunic of some kind does a ton to bring the other elements together and turn a costume into actual clothing.

[@gormauslander]

I like the perspective offered here. Acknowledging historical inaccuracies, which helps with misinformation (looking at you mall ninjas), but also not apologizing for that discrepancy, because historical isn't better, it's just different, and not the main objective

[@aprildriesslein5034]

You can also get great bags at the thrift store! Get a leather one that doesn't have obvious modern bits (like zippers) and sling it crosswise on your body for a satchel, or adjust the strap until you can wear it as a belt. Baskets are also great. Put your modern stuff in it, throw a cloth over that, and then put some props on top for an extra touch.

[@jqsmithe8933]

Great video as expected. The only thing I would offer is YOU should wear your outfit no matter the level. Most beginners let the outfit wear them making it harder to sell. If you a not comfortable it does show. One last thing enjoy the process it has its own rewards.

[@thelastoferrathen613]

You've certianly shown me an accesible and practical way to begin my journey to becoming a knight. thank you and God bless.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Good luck on the path

[@terrysmith4831]

Good morning Kramer! The "satchel" you are sporting is called a "Scrip" and is easily documentable to the medieval period. The scrip has been in use for millennia and in Revolutionary War reenacting, it's called a "Haversac". A very usfull piece of gear. Another great vedio 👍

[@brandonfigueroa7399]

Great stuff. you should make an episode on making as many things as possible out of one decent wool blanket. you can put paper templates on where cut and simple sewing machine seams. might also be worth sharing the importance of 100% wool if it can be found. if you want to get crazy. Also, you could do the same with a leather jacket. show us how to make 3 things for our kit out of one jacket. maybe a series of pouches and be out of one jacket. people can get their hands on an old leather jacket. Cook something over a fire, tell a story about the times of old, fiction or non doesnt matter. what would people be talking about ? the king? the harvest? the raiders?

[@LivingAnachronism]

Great ideas, thank you!

[@maryannhicks7829]

Awesome idea

[@olivegrove-gl3tw]

love the music in this video reminded me of the lord of spirits podcast

[@dereklucero5785]

Bruh, I love your videos, but I don’t even larp, nor have I ever been to a festival, nor do I ever plan to. HOWEVER, I grew up in the 80’s on medieval pc games and am a prepper. So, I found your video on cloaks most helpful, for some weird reason as a prepper I can’t comprehend, but I loved it nonetheless. Keep up the great work. 😁👍

[@LivingAnachronism]

Much respect man! I too see the virtue in learning in the ways of our less technologically advanced ancestors to prepare for a potentially odd grid existence.

[@medievaltexan]

You are 100% correct on the pouches. 😆 I know from personal experience because one of the first purchases I should have made after getting a tunic, pants and shoes was a pouch but I didn’t think about it. Felt a little out of place at an SCA event carrying my wallet and phone around in a very modern looking bag.

[@Bb24138]

After you spend hours on your gambeson even more hours on your chainmail and everything you ordered online comes in the mail "Oh yeah, it's all coming together"

[@LivingAnachronism]

So true

[@brucelee3388]

Your hood is also known as a Skjoldenhammer hood, after the place where the original was found - Skjoldenhamn. There are a few good web pages out there which show how it was made and some of the 'extra' bits like a standup strip that runs along the top. Northern European culture Early Medieval (aka Dark Ages thru' Viking) cloaks seem to have been simple rectangles with a 2:1 size ratio, so if the piece of fabric is around 5ft (150cm) wide you only need it to be 30-36 inches (75-90cm) the short way, a bit more is OK but if its too much the corners will drag in the mud and/or get shredded in every bush. Take your 2:1 piece, fold it in half so it is closer to a square, put one corner against the left side of your neck to your knees and compare it to the diagonal measurement because that diagonal distance is where the corners of your rectangular cloak are going to dangle. You can hoist the corners up a bit with a belt but you can get yourself in quite a tangle if you want to get to some gear on your belt. I could go on but I should stop now.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Skjoldenhammer sounds way cooler

[@DangerDurians]

Took inspiration and advice from you, went to my first ren-faire today My outfit looked sufficiently medieval, but at one point I put on a tricorner and it instantly became incredibly piratey Thanks!

[@LivingAnachronism]

Awesome! Hope it was a fun time!

[@talenlunari5114]

That Ruana cloak looks so damn good lol

[@talosvalcoran8730]

This video is so important. The most believable costume is the one that isn't a costume at all, but real clothes and gear (except for weapons, maybe... some events don't want to have you running around with a sharp sword... :'D). Hopefully many people will watch this and be able to avoid the errors so many of us have made! ^^

[@LivingAnachronism]

Mighty Talos has spoken!

[@talosvalcoran8730]

@@LivingAnachronism *chuckles in Nostraman*

[@sylviaoneal5694]

i love that there is an obvious confidence build between levels of apparel!

[@ezmoore27]

Kramer, you're the man. This videos are great and very inspiring. We've needed this content for so long, so thank you! I made myself a ruana cloak from a grey $6 polyester fleece throw blanket and I wear it all the time. I've actually gotten compliments from strangers at the grocery store! I reinforced around the nape of the neck with some yarn to keep the cut up the middle from growing without permission.

[@LivingAnachronism]

We must bring back the cloak! Thank you Isaac!

[@maryannhicks7829]

I have 2 fleece/faux fur throw blankets that I wrap on my shoulders when I am a vendor at our local farm/craft markets. My clients love the idea

[@brynf4377]

would love to see a level 6 - 7 video. almost unable to conjure up that kind of costume or clothing in my mind.

[@LivingAnachronism]

So am I 😂 but when I myself have achieved whatever the next levels might be, there will be a video

[@heyohfranki5826]

I really enjoyed this, even though I don’t have any larps I can go to it’s still fun to try and put outfits together with what I have at home

[@azurearcade342]

Leg wraps are so nice to have. Getting a pair for your arms would make sense to.

[@mitchel8522]

Very nice, especially that you add personal trinkets to the kit. Makes it feel more personal.

[@kstarwalker4905]

I've been lucky more than once at getting "tunic" type of garments. I've thrifted two short "dresses" one looking more royal and the other more ranger type tunics.

[@AvatarYoda]

Thanks for the videos! I've always loved "assembling" costumes from stuff I have lying around or can purchase super-cheaply, ever since I was twelve and assembled a Zorro costume the day before Halloween out of stuff I had. A few years ago, I cobbled together a costume for a minor Ren Faire at a college out of a large T-shirt, sweatpants, ace bandage wraps on my calves, combat boots, a cloak I used to wear when playing D&D, and a belt and pouch I bought at another Ren Faire. I actually got a couple compliments for it. I'm going to use your ideas to alter my costume for a Ren Faire coming up soon. There happens to be a flea market in my area open weekends from May to September, and there are multiple clothing booths, so hopefully, I can find some cheap, used clothing that will work out for your hood and leggings hacks. (edited for grammar)

[@LivingAnachronism]

Wish you the best of luck, and that you have fun! I would be very surprised if you didn't find some very cool items at the flea market.

[@JeremySpringfield]

So timely! I was just recommending your basic level video.

[@prestobizmal]

BUCKLES NOT LACES 10/10 advice. I made my own bracers out of cheap leather, super easy and they look great.

[@cerachaos]

luckily sewing a tunic is pretty easy, I'm not a skilled seamstress but I have made a tunic for a costume for my ex and I was pretty proud of how it came out. I hope you can show some more female ideas, tho I'm loving these videos.

[@HosCreates]

Morgan Donner has lots of medieval ladies kit sewing ideas

[@hobgoblin6551]

The Walmart I work at let's me wear most of my costume stuff on the clock. It's so awesome, as long as it doesn't get in the way they are cool with it, life is good when you can where armor to work 🤣

[@LivingAnachronism]

That's awesome! One of the reasons I started the channel was because I wanted an excuse to wear my costume as my job :)

[@mansfieldtime]

I like the 2 belts idea. One for close the other for... stuff. Makes scenes you wouldn't want to take off your only belt when entering a church nor would you want to draw your sword. Just unclip the sword belt and done.

[@jackscofield562]

Thank you so much this video really helped me out and now i know what to do. keep up the great videos!

[@IodoDwarvenRanger]

Nice video, thank you :) Here's my thoughts: wearing two belts works really well, I find it far more comfortable to have a woven belt or strip of fabric as the second belt to hold clothing in place once you remove your kit belt "do get a broach for your cloak" - I should take that advice, I have been fantasy reenacting for 7 years and I am still using kilt pins as broaches LOL I think you know well my thoughts on vambraces, thin real leather bracers that fit well are actually useful in a cold wet windy climate, and I still find laces better than buckles because they don't rattle or catch on stuff, I think it's worth the extra time to try them, it's all opinions tho

[@IodoDwarvenRanger]

@Jon Anderson I get that, a lot of people seem to have that opinion, I only choose to wear them if it's very cold and windy or wet, if it's warm they are too sweaty and they make it hard to take off layers

[@nynkeandreae7008]

As long as you don't have a broach for your cloak, putting a round stone (or button) underneat your cloak at the place where you want to close it and then tying some rope or ribbon around it on the outside is a cheap, easy and historical correct option

[@IodoDwarvenRanger]

@@nynkeandreae7008 yep, I have done that a few times when I have been stuck without any form of pin

[@crunchydragontreats6692]

@@IodoDwarvenRanger I was field testing my sleep gear on a camping trip. (It wasn’t planned. Long story.) I was wearing my blanket as a hooded cloak and decided I needed to keep it closed in the front. I used 4 button rocks and some jute to make it into a double breasted, hooded mantle cloak. I was the only one there who was comfortably warm. (Temperature dropped to just below zero C.) Grab your ketchup and crunch away my friend.

[@Victor-dm4qv]

Happy to see yet another video up! I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas and that the new year has started off great for you. What I really liked in this video was the final touches, the trinkets and tools, among many other things, that really makes the character come to life and wears some of his life's story. It's something a lot of beginners don't really keep in mind, such as myself when writing and roleplaying. Thank you for the reminder that I need to pay more attention to this.

[@ChazMissionMoore]

"Antlers in all of your decorating" really got me, thanks for that

[@tzor]

I remember many years ago when I went from the occasional Gen Con costume contest to a nearby Ren Faire. As I had been a Secular Franciscan, I splurged and purchased a wool Friar's outfit from Museum Replicas. It was nice, and it fit well. But one year there was a massive downpour, (so much so that the fair was closed early because of tornado warnings) and while all my friends were completely soaked, that properly made wool outfit kept me completely dry underneath. I think that's another critical point; if you are outside, the weather happens, and medieval clothing was designed as such for a reason. I haven't used my kit for years, but I've concluded that functionality must trump authenticity. While I might have cincture for show, I'll also wear a belt to attach all my other cool things (like a wooden tankard) because it better fits the character.

[@rileyernst9086]

Well the large prevalence of bracers in fantasy settings to me seems to be a relic of movie making. They were originally used exstensively in the industry to cover the tell tale band's of untanned skin that watches leave behind. When it actually comes to armoured protection it would seem that it is one of the last places that is armoured, with elbow length maile shirts historically being very common throughout the entire medieval period(and even during the ancient times). I think the main reason is you can protect those areas behind a shield or your weapon, and its twoce the weight on your arms.

[@arachmusmarsh3285]

Ah, weathering. When i worked at a clothier's at colony fairs, we would get people requesting pre-weathered clothes from time to time. We would always respond that the clothes would weather themselves if you wore them frequently, no special process required. That, and we made linen garments, so weathering without a wearer is kind of a waste of time that would be better spent being worn into the exact shape and texture of the wearer's preference. Armor is one thing, but for regular clothes, keep in mind how you treat your own clothes day to day, and that's pretty much all you need.

[@watashiwachocho]

I feel SO called out by the bracers, lmao. Litterally my first larp purchase, but also I had my parent's old SCA tunics to draw from, lol

[@corinnekoladay4392]

Really enjoying the positivity to get people started on their own medieval/ fantasy/larping/SCA path--wonderful!

[@Lasanga95]

2:04 Yeah I agree

[@bjornronaldson6017]

So, I mostly do 10th-ish century Scandinavian, but some advice that applies to most time periods, don't be afraid of colors! Colors were expensive and people displayed their wealth in their clothing, jewelry and weapons. Modern ideas of color coordination are just that, very modern. I have the advantage of being monochromatic color blind, so I literally do not care what colors I wear from a modern perspective. My favorite piece of Garb is actually my pair of bright pink trousers, which, believe it or not, is the color that red fades to without the use of modern chemical dyes.

[@spectreranger8997]

Thanks for the upgrade ideas! Looking forward to the next video.

[@RensStoryteller]

I'm gonna be honest, I feel more comfortable in these kinds of clothes then modern fashion.

[@HosCreates]

so do I ! love my t tunic dress in wool with an apron dress on top !

[@annbrookens945]

Fun! I've enjoyed all your costuming videos; you give clear suggestions and instructions on how to create an authentic look. LARPing just looks like it would be a lot of fun!

[@Akuma122887]

I just watched both of your costuming videos in a row. It took me back to when I was starting to assemble my own garb. The biggest bit of advice I can give is from the perspective of the abnormally Large. If you have trouble finding clothes at your local stores, don't bother with thrift shops. I have size 15 EW shoes no way am I going to find boots at a thrift that fit me. It took me 2 years to get just a basic costume gathered at my size.

[@caravaneerkhed]

I leveled up my costume from last year! The first time I went I had boots that didn’t fit at all, some black pants with the laces at the calves and a white shirt with laces on the collar. I kept the pants and shirt, but I’ve now added a ring belt, and a buckled belt, bracers, black boots with boot covers, a faux leather breast plate, a black cloak, a foam longsword, and two pouches. Definitely missing a complete look, but I’m happy with what I have now compared to what I had before. I only really go to the ren faire once a year. (A lot of the stuff I have now is taken from a sith cosplay I have that just happen to work well with what I have)

[@beksc9209]

"Do you use antlers in all of your decorating?" Was this a Beauty and the Beast reference?! Haha! That's awesome!

[@LivingAnachronism]

Yessir

[@HirilElfwraith]

I love your videos, a lot of channels that are more historically accurate can be a bit intimidating to someone who is mostly approaching from the fantasy side of things and just wants to have fun. I appreciate seeing someone else who is more concerned with the Vibe of things, more about if something is vaguely plausible than if it's actually historically accurate. Also, you're just very well-spoken and nice to listen to in general - 10/10, would join for a medieval themed camping trip :)

[@LivingAnachronism]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed

[@magedogtag]

"It's time to level up." That brought a chuckle. I love that line.

[@winterknightwarden8543]

My outfit looks to be at level 3-4, even with levels just 1-3. What I need is help learning leather working for bags, pouches, sheathing, belts, ect. I'm about to attempt a shield soon and will be using different techniques all in one.

[@winterknightwarden8543]

@Jon Anderson Thank you. I hadn't considered that track as of yet. I'll start looking at my next pay day. 😁 I will also be attempting a 4" wide, 2 strap belt for hanging such pouches and trinkets.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Jon Anderson's idea is great. There are different types of pouches and different types of leather to consider. I'd recommend looking at the "Weaver Leather Craft Supply" channel, really excellent project videos for beginners, it's where I learned most of what I know.

[@winterknightwarden8543]

@@LivingAnachronism I will be looking into that. Thank you for the advice!!! 😁

[@martelvonc]

Very good advice this. Believe-ability can get you a long way.

[@earlgrey4539]

Hi there! Love the videos, it’s a bit late but I’m starting my journey as an adventurer! I had a question about the green tunic/cotta thingo you’re wearing, did you buy it or make it yourself? It looks awesome and perfect for the look I’m going for

[@Matsudai]

Glad to see you back! Hope you had a great break.

[@larrypena]

I love thrift stores for LARP garb! This is exactly how I've built my kits for years. Great work!

[@tonystoops7802]

I admire your zest and love of the fanansty realms.👍

[@elenoryn4700]

A great video! There are, especially with Covid, not many faires or festivals I can go to near my home, but I really enjoy getting different medieval clothing and trying out how the stuff looks together. I also started easy, bought some things over the time and slowly everything is coming together.

[@HosCreates]

you can always wear it around the house. I wear my cloak around my house in the winter like a wearable blanket to break it in and get used to it as it gets cold here

[@c03evans]

Exactly! Get the campfire smoke in everything!

[@Zdraviski]

You could also use come coal to make your face dirty, and make holes in the fabric. Also medieval lacquered leather armbands with shining buckles will make you be really noticed in any festival.

[@volsten8721]

Wow! I'm just working on my first outfit right now. I'm very excited that it's already a level 5 on your scale 🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@Beschaulichkeit]

Regarding bracers with buckles: I've had a lot of trouble with my bracers catching on my chainmail so I tend to skip the bracers anyway. And I agree that a gambeson is a fabulous investment.

[@orchardhouse9241]

Thank you! Making a tunic isn't too bad, and you don't need a pattern, but gussets are evil. I spent the week leading up to the Ren Faire frantically unstitching, trimming down, and resewing the armpit gussets because I made them too big. Wearing two belts is brilliant. I wish I'd thought of that when I went to the Ren Faire this year. As to level 5: I am getting there but need to do more sewing.

[@zentierra7803]

You have no idea how great - and downright relaxing - it was to see this video after finally having life settle down from an absolutely hectic and *crazy* (but in mostly a good way) holiday season at work. Loved the looks you put together...and really loved how you emphasized the importance of truly "working" gear that moves with the wearer. I particularly loved your comment about how your clothing smells like campfire because, yes, that is a wonderful smell. I'm also going to be checking out your Patreon as soon as I build my reserve 'donation funds' back up. I save up all year and then do end-of-year donations to four major animal welfare/rescue groups (two that work with dogs, one with cats, and one with elephants). Been doing that for years now. I work in animal care/welfare, so it's a thing. * grins *

[@LivingAnachronism]

Hi Zenti! Thanks so much for that compliment, I always recognize your name and profile pic. It's awesome to know I can have that effect. Thank you for wanting to help support me, but I'd ask that you please just give what ever you would have given me to those charities. Animal rescue is a great cause, I'm hoping one day I make enough to start doing some charities or fundraisers too to give back to the community. Cheers!

[@thelilartzy]

I’m very lucky and have two pouches! I have one I got in a magic kit that looks very magical. And another one I have I got from a book box that had a page number painted on it. All I needed to do was take a sharpie and color over it to make it disappear. Boom! Now I have a pouch for my fighter girl and magic girl.

[@hamblinhomestead4046]

I first went to Rennie faires as Link. Made the tunic, hat, and trousers. Bought the sword, shield, ocarina, and learned to play it! From there, I created my own character. Now on my third character and keeping it. Spent $200 for boots at a faire, then pieces together something over a few months. A few dollars at a thrift store got my new trousers and a leather pouch for my video camera. My entire kit, minus sword, about $300. Had to buy other various things from websites. I made my character and I am happy!

[@JessLess]

I really love this video! Learning everything that goes into creating a medieval costume is really fascinating. I'm definitely planing on using some of these tips in the future and look forward to more of your videos!

[@rockstar212121]

From one non-artist to another, I'd recommend getting a cheap lightboard and print out some fashion croquis. I trace the croqui using the lightboard in pencil then sketch over that tracing erasing it as needed and color it with some pencils and ill ink the outline at the end. Whenever I tell someone I can't draw and show them my costume sketches they always think I'm lying.

[@gozer87]

During the heavy snowfall over Christmas here in Seattle, I wore my Kislev inspired coat to shovel snow and tromp to the super market.

[@chrisr3570]

'Do you use antlers in all your decorating?' I think that should have been said more musically ;)

[@rileyernst9086]

I'm going for a bit more accuracy(as i have a liking for the late 14th century) but an older fashion loose fitting tunic, and some more bagy pants as used in period (and earlier) by steppe peoples and later by Europeans in the Carribean are more suitable for my hotter and more tropical northern Australian climate than close a fitting woolen coat(i actually have a nice 14th century one fitted to me and god it is so much nicer and more comfortable than that piece of junk i had to wear at my school grad) and hosen. Especially as i want to camp and hike in it. I think I'll have to find a straw hat. A hat pin and some nice feathers is often all the difference you see in historical sources when compared to what is currently avaliable.

[@rileyernst9086]

@Jon Anderson same for felt hats as well, especially really basic wide brimmed designs too. Much more practical wear back then than people appreciate.

[@bluewolfadventures689]

Something I did for a Ranger costume I'm putting together I bought moccasins at a Indian Trading Post after you put a cloth wrap around it works pretty good they're made out of leather they're not super expensive you can find them in black or brown.

[@waderoberts3701]

My very first purchase was lace up bracers, and I listened to your bracers bit as i was lacing my bracers over my mail, and I had to agree, yes, they are annoying. When I first started out, I just bought a pair of bracers and a pauldron just for some heavy metal attire to go with my denim and leather jackets. But I'd buy a shirt and a pair of knee high boots at my next fair, then a belt, then a pouch, then a sword and frog, then I made a shield and scabbard, next a second pauldron. And last year, I bought black steel hauberk, and I made some chausses. Last Saturday, I finally bought a proper cloak, replacing the Halloween store cloak I've been using for years.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Sounds like you have an awesome kit!

[@brendonsorenson344]

Great video(s)! Love the presentation and appreciate the positive attitude

[@Overunity357]

Upgrade your boots! this needs to become an inside joke of the channel. I already love it.

[@diegooland1261]

I don't use antlers in all my decorating but I am particularly good at expectorating.

[@M4st3r0fN0n3]

I always struggle finding even new production shoes that fit the style. I wear US 13 mens wide....lol

[@KedricVarangia]

Part 3 part 3 part 3! Honestly these garb episodes feel like customizing your Kramer in "The witcher 4: plague of sneakers" and I can't wait for the next one.

[@bjornronaldson6017]

As another option instead of bracers, which are really a piece of archers kit, try a pair of gauntleted gloves. These can be tucked through the belt and are very appropriate for any sort of knightly, soldier or mercenary type character.

[@christinasirignano9217]

The Gaston reference sent me! 🤣

[@LivingAnachronism]

Glad you caught it!

[@annbrookens945]

I wondered if your character's name is Gaston!

[@journeyman7189]

Excellent breakdown Kramer and great step by step progression. Where can I find the pattern for your wool tunic? It's got some great features that I would like to use. Nate

[@LivingAnachronism]

Hey Nate, I don't have a pattern for the wool tunic available to share at the moment, I can look into getting that. I designed it based of the elven tunics and the ithilien ranger tunics from LOTR and then had it made for me based off of pictures

[@ahtikai]

something I'd like to add, not every utility piece needs to be leather: the original piece of your hood (Skjoldehamn) was found with a braided belt, and tablet weaving and inkle woven belts were very common throughout European medieval history. Similarly pouches, sacks and backpacks can be made mainly out of rough linen and they are not just stylish but historically accurate (though I admit a leather pouch is accurate and looks better) A great video again, nothing condescending, only solid advice!

[@shaynelorenson9816]

these videos have really helped me. I too love rangers and you explaining how to flesh out your outfit through your job and stuff made me think. I live in a desert and I love rangers so im mixing those aspects i to something fun. alittle bit of of Tolkien ranger and a little middle eastern.

[@raganor_ashborn]

The reason why I got bracers as the second piece of armor(got a chain mail coif first) was because they were of a good quality, handmade, and at a cheap price because the vendor overestimated how many people were going to buy from him. Now I have a curiass and soon I'll have Gambason. Currently I have black jeans, but hopefully soon I'll have some pants made by the same person who is making my gambason.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Awesome! Didn't mean to discourage people who like or want bracers. Just for the very beginning folks, it might be tempting.

[@raganor_ashborn]

@@LivingAnachronism yeah, when I started one of the first things I made were a pair a gauntlets. I still have the remnants of them. Even though they were made of an extremely cheap pleather, they were annoying, like you said.

[@joegorski4630]

Please comment on Hats! I would think most characters at the fairs should have a hat.

[@SarahOtter]

That Gaston reference earned you that sub and like on this video. Wonderful job on what you're doing and keep up the amazing work!

[@SirEchoGaming]

This is becoming my favourite channel!

[@atinybard6594]

This man has the idle animations down pat

[@ChrisLeeW00]

I’ve leveled up since watching your videos. Cut and sewed a ruana cloak and a Viking style hood from the same bolt of fleece! My next step is pouches, and I’ve found I can 3d print a foaming tpu material that looks and feels very close to leather, and it’s very strong too.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Awesome to hear! Would be interesting to do a comparison between a 3d printed pouch and a leather one and a canvas one to test durability, etc

[@dynamystic3050]

Thought provoking information.

[@akumabito2008]

Great vid, my dude!

[@TheHornsofValmar]

What style of mens tunic is the green one you wear in this video? I can't find any that come down to a point at the bottom like that.

[@LivingAnachronism]

That one is custom, I have seen similar ones at some Renaissance fairs. Check Etsy for private sellers. Burgschnieder does make a few like that marketed for women, might be worth a look. You could also get one that is the right length that you like and modify it yourself. Unfortunately I have no idea if it has a particular name.

[@TheHornsofValmar]

@@LivingAnachronism Thank you for the reply on an old video. Very much appreciated! I will try there.

[@WhatIfBrigade]

On knowing someone who can sew, in the US at least I'd at least try visiting a local tailor. It might be way too expensive, but if it isn't a professional can do it for you and even if it is too expensive you now know what price range of Christmas present you should be getting your sewing aunt.

[@joshicus_saint_anger]

I would love even more videos like this. I think I'm finally ready to stop just daydreaming and start actually putting something nice together but now that I'm looking into online options, it's kind of intimidating. Like what's the best material to look for in a shirt if most of what I'm doing will be summer-centric?

[@LivingAnachronism]

Linen and 100% cotton should both be fine. Linen is more expensive and hard to find, certainly if you are looking for something that is also historically accurate. With a bright sun, you actually want to cover as much of your skin as possible, so that the fabric will keep the direct heat of the sun off you. It seems counter intuitive, but I was actually cooler in my gambeson and long sleeves, than I would be in a T-shirt. Choose lighter colors, to reflect sunlight rather than absorb it. Hope that helps!

[@Ichigoeki]

It just hit me when I read the text "thrift store" You can make the bases out of clothes that would otherwise be too small for you as regular wear. Holy heck, I'mma become the giant that's talked about even several towns over!

[@zesticlesssss]

Thanks yet again for the useful info, laddie! :D