Garb
Our clothing is called 'garb'. Garb is the ‘uniform’ for our sport. Fighters are encouraged to make medieval or fantasy themed clothing that portrays their individual persona, unit allegiance, or realm affiliation.Though the "uniform" rules are more creative in our game than most other sports, Belegarth maintains standards that determine valid garb.
At local practices you will sometimes see participants wearing street clothes just like basketball players may wear sweats instead of game jerseys. However, after the first two weeks of participation players are expected to meet the minimum garb standards from the book of war or they will only be allowed to fight with a single blue sword. In your planning avoid modern logos or patterns, camo, cargos and jeans. Sweats and a plain t-shirt is the most basic acceptable garb and is a fine place to start as you enter this sport.
At national and regional events garb is a more elaborate display of tabards, tunics, armor and warrior-wear from all cultures of this world (and of fantasy).
Quoted from Eriador's Website:
Garb Requirements
Tradition has established certain expectations of what is and is not acceptable for garb.
Minimal garb expectations include a tunic or tabard and medieval style (loose-fit) pants. Otherwise, non-humanoid characters are expected to maintain garb that is not blatently mundane and is fitting to their character. Footwear is preferably period boots or earth tone shoes, however is not considered of great importance. Garb at your first event may be as simple as:
- Black T-shirt
- Tabard (2 yards of cloth with a neck hole)
- Belt
- Sweatpants, scrubs, or dark trousers
At your first event, you will see a tremendous diversity of garb. Aim to go to future events with better garb that defines your character.
Certain things are particularly forbidden: Blue jeans, camo outfits, extremely bright or fluorescent colors and live steel(sheathed or not) are not allowed on the field. Anything blatantly mundane and modern (especially sports or brand logos) should be avoided.
In any role playing or battlegaming society, your garb is your first impression. It will define how people respond to you, whether they think you're new or experienced, and even how good of a fighter they anticipate you to be. Dress to impress and show character! It adds to the fun for everyone.
Tips for cheap but acceptable garb
Tunics
Good Will, Salvation Army, and other thrift stores are your friend. Rowan of Nan Belegorn pioneered the "polo shirt tunic" that is perhaps the simplest garb fix I know. Get a polo shirt from Good Will ($3) then cut off the collar, buttons, and any noticably hemmed edges. Poke some holes where the buttons used to be and string some leather lacing through the collar holes. Wah-lah, instant medieval look!Pants
Many people start with black sweat pants and cut off the bottom elastic. You may also browse your local thrift store for dark hospital scrubs which are lighter weight for warm weather or some casual dark trousers. Another cheap solution is martial arts pants. You can get them in white or black from Century Martial Arts. They're loose, will take a lot of abuse, and look solidly period. Hakama pants are worm by many eastern characters. These can be found by searching google for online martial arts retailers.If you want to BUY your garb
If you have a little cash and would prefer professional quality garb please check the Bazaar shop page for local realm members that can help you. In addition to local realm members, larger events will often have vendors selling garb and a number of Belegarth members will make garb to order and deliver via post or at events. Historic Enterprises and Linen Garb are a pair of internet sites which produce quality clothing that we can highly recommend.Patterns for SEWING your own garb
Making your own garb may or may not be less expensive, but will allow you to customize it just the way you like. It is strongly recommended that you use quality fabric that you will enjoy exercising in when putting the effort into making your own garb. It is generally best to avoid synthetics as they usually breathe poorly and may not stand up as well as natural fibers. Linen is an excellent material both in terms of durability and sweat wicking and can be purchased at Joann's or online from fabric-store.net or Fashion Fabrics Club. Fashion Fabrics Club also carries a number of other natural and synthetic cloths at good prices. Walmart also occasionally has quality fabrics for very cheap in the $1.50 bin.The Grey Company has a good tutorial for tunics and pants
A Tabard and scrubs, sweats or drawstring pants is the most basic beginner's garb and is enough to get started.
The Rennaissance Tailor has lots of good advice on geometric-based patterns (and sewing in general).
Shirts: Basic T-Tunic - Accurate T-Tunic: 1 2 - Mongol and European Patterns - Japanese Haori or Kimono
Pants: Hakama Basic - Hakama Accurate - Thai Fisherman's Pants - Salwar - Salwar 2 - Eastern European Pants - Turco-Mongol Trouser - Basic Drawstring Pants - Kilts - Wrap Pants - Another Wrap Pants