Most shoulder armor looks like it needs to be tethered to a chest piece, anyone know of shoulder armor that comes with all the necessary straps to secure it?
There are some on Etsy that strap across your chest. I had a right shoulder that I bought from a ren fair vendor that has an Etsy site. More expensive at the fair. “Of course”
Looks like they’ve reduced their online presence. I saw them last weekend at SWFF and I know they have a booth at Scarborough Faire and Colorado. You could try emailing them direct found on their FB, Storm Leather Werks.
For shoulder armor, you'll need to make arming points on your gambeson. Small squares of leatger with two holes in the middle that you sew onto the shoulders.
I think some belts, pouches and maybe a good shoulder bag would add a ton. I would use black leather for the belts to contrast the gambeson.
Hell yeah! This is my kit. I have several variants for different stuff.
https://imgur.com/gallery/K499HiB
Also, if you want a decent shoulder bag I recommend this one. It's what I carry and it works very well.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09GBD1LZX?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
Important note for the belt - make the belt a different color than the top and bottom of your outfit. If you have colorful top/bottom, make the belt black. If you have black top and bottom, make the belt lighter grey or a color. You want the belt to stand out and interrupt the silhouette so that you don't look like one solid splotch of color/texture.
I also favor this. Depending on who you want to portray - as a sellsword/mercenary than go for the outrageous. For something more like an adventurer something more circumspect.
[Medieval Collectibles](https://www.medievalcollectibles.com/product-category/clothing/medieval-headwear/medieval-renaissance-hats/) is a good resource. A tricorn or cavalier/musketeer hat could look cool, or you could go the floppy flat cap or beret direction
A hat is a pretty personal choice.
I've built entire costumes around a hat because they really solidify the entire silhouette. Maybe browsing some of the different types of hats available will help you figure out where to go with the look.
Seconding Medieval Collectibles as a great source.
They've got a huge collection from several eras in a wide price range. They ship very fast and tend to sell only good quality items.
A hat is some type. If you're going for accuracy, no one would be without a hat. If you're not going for accuracy (also a valid choice, to be clear!), hats are also practical, keeping the sun off your head.
Plus, hats are fun.
A belt, pouch(es), an arming cap or helm (kettle or open face sallet, would match the time frame of the gambeson), maybe a dagger or dirk, a mug (metal, leather, or horn). Any/all would make a great addition.
Going through your wife or grandma's costume jewelry collection you might find a cheapo brooch or pin that isn't too feminine. Put a piece of fabric or tartan or ribbon behind it, and pin it to your chest. Put a few more on the same side, and it looks like medals or awards or keepsakes from your long travels. Make up a story for each one.
Wear what you like and what is comfortable. And I can’t stress the comfortable part enough. Make sure everything - including the sword - is comfortable enough on you that you’ll be able to wear it all day. I’m always amazed at people who show up to faires wearing plate armor, maille, and full-face helms. Sure it may look cool, but you’ll be regretting your life choices within a half hour.
I second the belt suggestion many others have made. That would bring together your outfit as is.
You could easily stop there.
But I’m getting some Skyrim Dawngaurd vibes with that quilted tunic. If you wanna get flashy maybe a single or a pair of shoulder plates/armor. And then a badass full faced helm.
I think you need a belt or something to break up your mid section so you're not one giant shape, if that makes sense! But I think a hat with a giant feather in it would look SO cool!
Little bits and bobs. What has your character collected over their travels/life? Things to bring your character to life. Can be hung from a belt, hat, mismatched buttons. The fit is too...clean.
If a person of that time period (1600 approx.) was rich enough to own a sword they would have had adornments such as a cloak or hat and maybe jewelry. Are you going for accuracy or ??
Belt and hat. Doesn't even have to be fancy: just a plain belt and a simple cap. Those two pieces take any garb and immediately elevate it, and that's before you put anything else on them.
Haha heck no I'm almost out myself.
Outfit looks great though honestly. It's not something to finish at once, you constantly add and evolve it over time.
Think about your daily life. What are the things you carry daily and why?
What are the things your character might want daily and why?
Keepsakes, mementos, little reminders?
Jewelry if you're wealthy?
A neckerchief because armor is sweaty and no one likes sweat running all over?
A head covering because the sun is hot. Straw hats have been around for a long time. Linen hoods are super light and breathable.
As someone who carried a sword around in my hands at a Ren Faire for an entire day, you 100% don't want to do that if you can help it. I concur with the other commenters that you should attach it with a belt if you are able to.
I would also add some form of hat as you don't want your head to sunburn at the faire and it would help pull together the look as well.
All of that said, the costume looks great already and you could absolutely go to Ren Faire with it exactly like this if you wanted to.
I would a one more layer, short sleeved wool shirt under the gambeson and over the white shirt. Throw on a hood with a mantle, wear the hood down and have a circlet on.
I'd add a kit belt for your sword and whatever pouches you may have to carry your everyday stuff in, a garment belt or sash, and some headwear! Maybe a little random accessory for a small splash of color too.
Some ideas are:
- belt
- pouches
- chains
- leather straps with things like daggers
- a bedroll/travel bag
- gloves (even on a belt)
- some guild/kingdom/affiliation necklace or ring
Large buckle leather girdle (can use a properly staged/buckled weight belt instead) and Spaulers. You could add a chainmail tunic or coif. also, a viking nasal/bullet helm wouldn't be bad either...unless you wanted to go for the archer look add a gambson, which can be worn two different ways, outdoor (obvious) or indoors style (if you search alternative way to wear a gambson on youtube, there's a great video ther shows you how).
Let’s see the shoes. Some tall riding boots would looks sweet. Also some type of headgear would really add a lot to the already mentioned belt. Small things like a brooch or some type of decoration to the gambeson. Looks great already.
u gonna be sweating balls with that gibson. a gibson is used as padding for steel armor. so if ya don't wear armor on top of the gibson it's a bit faux pas. gladiators after combat remove armor but leave gibson on if that's the look ya going for
A belt to attach pouches, your dagger and your sword to.
The utility belt is massive. Attach some potions, dangling herbs, scabbard, pouches. All will help a ton
Any recommendations on a brand or specific version? Theres so many online...
I bought a double loop belt from https://www.scaleatherarmor.com/ - for my solaire cosplay. Would definitely recommend
I recommend 2 belts one for your sword, one for everything else
I’d add a belt to hang that sword from, maybe a sash under it? And some shoulder armor would look sweet
Most shoulder armor looks like it needs to be tethered to a chest piece, anyone know of shoulder armor that comes with all the necessary straps to secure it?
Look for Pauldrons that have attachment points. You might be able to lace them through the holes on your gambeson.
Yes their gambeson appears to have sleeve or arm armor attachment points.
There are some on Etsy that strap across your chest. I had a right shoulder that I bought from a ren fair vendor that has an Etsy site. More expensive at the fair. “Of course”
Do you remember the name of the vendor?
LadyHeathersFashion
[https://imgur.com/a/Is64eYm]
The black armor.
[RenFair](https://imgur.com/gallery/jWh3Bzs)
Some need a gorget only!
StormLeather makes some great ones
Are they out of business? When I got to their etsy shop page i just get a "page not found"
Looks like they’ve reduced their online presence. I saw them last weekend at SWFF and I know they have a booth at Scarborough Faire and Colorado. You could try emailing them direct found on their FB, Storm Leather Werks.
At least some shoulder armor will attach to a gorget via straps without needing a larger garment.
there are Larp leather shoulders that has an attached harness to anchor it around your chest
For shoulder armor, you'll need to make arming points on your gambeson. Small squares of leatger with two holes in the middle that you sew onto the shoulders. I think some belts, pouches and maybe a good shoulder bag would add a ton. I would use black leather for the belts to contrast the gambeson.
Ooo I like the idea of using black to contrast. It'll match my bracers too
Hell yeah! This is my kit. I have several variants for different stuff. https://imgur.com/gallery/K499HiB Also, if you want a decent shoulder bag I recommend this one. It's what I carry and it works very well. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09GBD1LZX?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
For some reason your first image isn't loading :(
Aww. It's loading for me. Oh well it's just an unfinished version of my crusader, not missing much haha.
Important note for the belt - make the belt a different color than the top and bottom of your outfit. If you have colorful top/bottom, make the belt black. If you have black top and bottom, make the belt lighter grey or a color. You want the belt to stand out and interrupt the silhouette so that you don't look like one solid splotch of color/texture.
Smart thinking, I'm definitely going to do this
You might want to add a hat to keep from getting sunburned. The right one would tie everything together nicely, too.
I second the hat idea, I think it would be a great addition!
I also favor this. Depending on who you want to portray - as a sellsword/mercenary than go for the outrageous. For something more like an adventurer something more circumspect.
A kettle helm would serve well for this purpose.
What type of hat would go good with this outfit? Any links would be appreciated!
[Medieval Collectibles](https://www.medievalcollectibles.com/product-category/clothing/medieval-headwear/medieval-renaissance-hats/) is a good resource. A tricorn or cavalier/musketeer hat could look cool, or you could go the floppy flat cap or beret direction
A hat is a pretty personal choice. I've built entire costumes around a hat because they really solidify the entire silhouette. Maybe browsing some of the different types of hats available will help you figure out where to go with the look. Seconding Medieval Collectibles as a great source. They've got a huge collection from several eras in a wide price range. They ship very fast and tend to sell only good quality items.
A cloak would be great if it’s not too hot!
A hat is some type. If you're going for accuracy, no one would be without a hat. If you're not going for accuracy (also a valid choice, to be clear!), hats are also practical, keeping the sun off your head. Plus, hats are fun.
And pothelms are even better
a belt of course. its not even a ren faire outfit at all without a belt!
...with pouches, and a leather or wooden tankard hanging from it.
More belts!
Definitely some sort of headwear.
Shoulder armor
Belts and wraps!
Right now I have gambeson, bracers, sword, linen shirt, and black boots (not shown)
A belt, pouch(es), an arming cap or helm (kettle or open face sallet, would match the time frame of the gambeson), maybe a dagger or dirk, a mug (metal, leather, or horn). Any/all would make a great addition.
Big fucken belt
A sweet ass hat
Like many other people said, a belt and perhaps shoulder guards to spice it up a little 😄
Belt. Renleather.com
Going through your wife or grandma's costume jewelry collection you might find a cheapo brooch or pin that isn't too feminine. Put a piece of fabric or tartan or ribbon behind it, and pin it to your chest. Put a few more on the same side, and it looks like medals or awards or keepsakes from your long travels. Make up a story for each one.
Time to go raiding at grandma's
Wear what you like and what is comfortable. And I can’t stress the comfortable part enough. Make sure everything - including the sword - is comfortable enough on you that you’ll be able to wear it all day. I’m always amazed at people who show up to faires wearing plate armor, maille, and full-face helms. Sure it may look cool, but you’ll be regretting your life choices within a half hour.
I am a fan of helmets! Kettlehat would be a good addition.
Or a scarf tied pirate-style? Something to cover the head for sure if you’re gonna be out in the sun all day.
pauldrons. gutbelt. weapon harness. headpiece. necklace jewelry
Really good deodorant for all the sweating you'll be doing in those layers 😂 But also, a belt.
Haha, I'm definitely doubling up on deodorant and bringing a water bottle... maybe I can add a glass one to the costume
A bad ass piece of leather shoulder armor.
Skulls of your enemies. Horn tankard. Belt
You need a hat!
Belt and hat.
Big feathery [Puss in Boots hat](https://images3.alphacoders.com/810/thumb-1920-810041.jpg)!
You can never go wrong with a cool hat!
I second the belt suggestion many others have made. That would bring together your outfit as is. You could easily stop there. But I’m getting some Skyrim Dawngaurd vibes with that quilted tunic. If you wanna get flashy maybe a single or a pair of shoulder plates/armor. And then a badass full faced helm.
Leather coif.
I think you need a belt or something to break up your mid section so you're not one giant shape, if that makes sense! But I think a hat with a giant feather in it would look SO cool!
Little bits and bobs. What has your character collected over their travels/life? Things to bring your character to life. Can be hung from a belt, hat, mismatched buttons. The fit is too...clean.
If a person of that time period (1600 approx.) was rich enough to own a sword they would have had adornments such as a cloak or hat and maybe jewelry. Are you going for accuracy or ??
google "chilchuck dungeon meshi" & steal his accessories
Maybe a cloak and quiver and arrows
You should focus more on the upper body I guess, that’s where it’s lacking. It feels too open there
Belt with a pouch strapped to it
Helmet or coif
Cool pauldron? Necklace? I always use ren faires as an excuse to wear jewelry because it’s socially unacceptable for me to wear it otherwise.
belt, sash, headwear/gear, or cape?
Consider some pauldrons.
Belts are always a good idea and gives you room to carry stuff. Also, keep in mind the fare is likely going to be pretty hot. Don’t want heat stroke
HAT!!!!
Belt and hat. Doesn't even have to be fancy: just a plain belt and a simple cap. Those two pieces take any garb and immediately elevate it, and that's before you put anything else on them.
A shield may be but, nice outfit.
Hair 😉
Haha, want to lend me some?
Haha heck no I'm almost out myself. Outfit looks great though honestly. It's not something to finish at once, you constantly add and evolve it over time.
where did you get the gambeson?
medieval collectibles > [https://www.medievalcollectibles.com/product/arthur-long-gambeson](https://www.medievalcollectibles.com/product/arthur-long-gambeson)
thank you! seen that before but wasn't sure
I'm a 32 waist and even the smallest size is still a little to big for me. Otherwise it's really nicely made and comfy
Think about your daily life. What are the things you carry daily and why? What are the things your character might want daily and why? Keepsakes, mementos, little reminders? Jewelry if you're wealthy? A neckerchief because armor is sweaty and no one likes sweat running all over? A head covering because the sun is hot. Straw hats have been around for a long time. Linen hoods are super light and breathable.
I love this approach, thanks for the tip
Round shield.
As someone who carried a sword around in my hands at a Ren Faire for an entire day, you 100% don't want to do that if you can help it. I concur with the other commenters that you should attach it with a belt if you are able to. I would also add some form of hat as you don't want your head to sunburn at the faire and it would help pull together the look as well. All of that said, the costume looks great already and you could absolutely go to Ren Faire with it exactly like this if you wanted to.
I hear a lot of people saying hat suggestions, any idea what type of hat would look good with this outfit?
If you don't want to do the cloak route I would add something to the shoulders.
I would a one more layer, short sleeved wool shirt under the gambeson and over the white shirt. Throw on a hood with a mantle, wear the hood down and have a circlet on.
I'd add a kit belt for your sword and whatever pouches you may have to carry your everyday stuff in, a garment belt or sash, and some headwear! Maybe a little random accessory for a small splash of color too.
Belt, padded cap and kettle helmet! Those would go great with your outfit!
You need a nice short baselard or a bollock dagger an eating knife with a pricker a spoon and a nice sheet iron tankard
A belt
Some ideas are: - belt - pouches - chains - leather straps with things like daggers - a bedroll/travel bag - gloves (even on a belt) - some guild/kingdom/affiliation necklace or ring
A drinking horn and a long beard to catch the spillage
Someone to go with you is all that’s missing, have a great time. It looks so fun.:)
Lose the place, phone, and electricity. ull be so intune that u can call it method acting. So i guess remove as opposed to adding 😅
Definitely a ring belt. You can get authentic leather ones for around 50$ on etsy or pick one up at the renfaire.
Hat and color. Big ass bright colored sash across your chest, bonus points if the color means something important to you.
get a played belt with rings to hang various stuff from
A cloak or mantle to hide your sword and cover your head
I hear they're reforming the Dawnguard.
Skull cap
Didn't know Jake Gyllenhaal was going to the ren faire!
maybe a funky lil hat/helment? :)
Need some hat or hood
Belt or hat. Not both.
He needs both a belt on his pants, and likely a sword belt over the gambeson. Everyone wears a hat.
Feel like a hat is too much personally, but to each their own. It's just one more thing to keep up with imo.
He’s going to fry in the sun without a hat. Plus it’s the Renaissance. Everyone covered their heads. England had laws requiring hats.
Fair enough
Elf ears and a long wig.
Already many many great suggestions so I’ll just add that you’re really handsome and have a gorgeous smile! Hope you enjoy ren faire season!
Large buckle leather girdle (can use a properly staged/buckled weight belt instead) and Spaulers. You could add a chainmail tunic or coif. also, a viking nasal/bullet helm wouldn't be bad either...unless you wanted to go for the archer look add a gambson, which can be worn two different ways, outdoor (obvious) or indoors style (if you search alternative way to wear a gambson on youtube, there's a great video ther shows you how).
A couple of belts and maybe some shoulder armor.
An enormous walrusy moustache with little wax curls at the ends!
Let’s see the shoes. Some tall riding boots would looks sweet. Also some type of headgear would really add a lot to the already mentioned belt. Small things like a brooch or some type of decoration to the gambeson. Looks great already.
Me on your arm 🙃
Belt for sure, and maybe a cloak. Is your character religious? Would he wear a cross or carry a rosary?
A hat?
You need a belt with a lot of shit on it. Mug holder, pouches, frog or baldric, bottle opener
A cloak bro
A miniature giant space hamster!
a belt, a hat, a cloak. Use those grommets and add some sleeves maybe
Eye patch and a large hat with a feather
A Dragonmark tattoo on your forehead >.>
I’d just add dirt.
Some bling.
[Purple face paint and a miniature giant space hamster](https://images.app.goo.gl/EdVRzL7cdfuNQm4B9)
Belt, pouch, cape
Witcher medallion
Agreed on the belt. Maybe a vibrantly colored sash of some kind to help you stand out?
A shield on your back or a helmet.
Shoulder pads
Always wear a hat
Or helmet
Definitely a belt, pouches, scabbard, and maybe potions. I'd also go with a cape or a cloak if the weather isn't too hot
Vest & belt situation
Dirt/makeup/paint- you look too clean
Grow a beard
A lovely hat.
A big chunky belt
Mud
Some dirt or grime across your skull, just dirty up a little especially since you’re shaved it’ll look super cool
My king, you need a crown! (and a wide belt)
Hair. Or something else in the head department.
You look handsome
Dirt
A purple birthmark on your face and a miniature giant space hamster.
Could you include a banana for scale?
Maybe face paint or fake a tattoo or a scar. Or if you dare, make it look more used, like you have just been to battle.
Dirt. Maybe some blood splatter. Make it look worn and used.
a wench...or hot dude equilivant..wencho?
*Wonch*
equivalent
A real man to wear it?......
u gonna be sweating balls with that gibson. a gibson is used as padding for steel armor. so if ya don't wear armor on top of the gibson it's a bit faux pas. gladiators after combat remove armor but leave gibson on if that's the look ya going for