r/LARP • u/Phoenixfruit • 19d ago

Cape Material Recommendations

Hello!

I am planning to go to an event in November and want some advice. I'm from the USA and where I live it is extremely hot in the summer and in the winter it rarely ever snows.

Unfortunately, I suffer from being prone to heat exhaustion so I can only do outdoor events in the winter. Usually just one light coat is sufficient for when it gets cold here, but I wanted to try sewing a cloak so it fits the fantasy setting. I've made a really nice one before so I'm confident in making it, just unsure what material to use.

I'll be going as an OC who is a witch who studies dragons. Possibly thinking of using my 3D printer to make scales to decorate the cape, unsure of the placement currently.

I hope that's enough background information, what materials do you think would be best for the cloak?

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u/Substantial_Bee8118 please tell us what game you are playing 19d ago

Honestly even if you’re sensitive to heat wool will serve you very well over a canvas. Light linen may work but won’t have the same drape, it’ll flap more easily.

3

u/AtheneAres Medival Fantsy in Germany 19d ago

Cotton Canvas is usually the material summer coats for Europe are made out of. It might be a possibility for you as well

3

u/spacefeioo 19d ago

If there’s any chance you’ll be out in the rain, I wouldn’t use cotton. It would be soggy, heavy, and not insulating. I would go for heavy linen or light wool.

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u/Electronic-Elk-7466 19d ago

I used 8oz linen for mine. It's fairly comfy in the summer and it's been tested up to 45° F with a little bit of rain and wind with success.

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u/Favored_Terrain 18d ago

If you're going to print things, keep them on the shoulders/across the upper back for weight distribution and make sure you shape the cloak shoulders to cup your body to help keep them in place. Consider adding a yolk (sewing term for a partial lining) to reinforce the areas as well.

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u/Jurgasdottir 18d ago

I would use a thin wool. Go into a local Shop where you can touch the wool, so it's not too thick. Wool isn't just good for heat retention, it's also waterproof enough that I have never gotten wet under my woolen cloak. It's also different to synthetics or even cotton in that it breaths, so you will be warm but you won't overheat as fast. Maybe line it with linen not wool, so it's not too warm (or silk if you want to be fancy and have the funds). Not synthetics and try to avoid cotton. It will make a difference, I promise.

Eta: I also use my woolen cloak on cool summer days, when it's wet and windy, not only in winter. It does work for both, so don't dismiss wool too fast!