Dressing to stay warm in LARP nights

As we all know, nothing is more difficult than cold Quebec nights when we want to continue our quests late into the night or enjoy a well-deserved rest. We've compiled our top tips for choosing the best LARP clothing and accessories to keep you warm while maintaining exemplary decorum. Whether you're looking for a fantastic forest ranger, warrior, noblewoman or adventurer costume, the many products available from Les Artisans d'Azure will suit your character's style as much as your need to keep warm.

Staying dry 

The most important thing is to stay dry as soon as the temperature drops. You don't want to sleep with your clothes wet or sweaty from your strenuous day of LARP combat. It's essential to change outfits when you sleep, even if it's difficult to do so in the cold. You'll feel the difference when you're bundled up in dry clothes! 

Of course, it's a good idea to choose a cold-weather sleeping system. A variety of furs are still essential to resist the cold. They can enhance your costume by day and keep you comfortable at night. Wool blankets in your sleeping bags are also recommended. Clothes play a crucial role in keeping you warm during all your adventures and rest.

It's best to wear clothes made from natural materials such as wool or linen. You'll find many products made from these materials in our store. These types of fabric dry quickly and breathe well. This technical aspect is important because when your sweat freezes, you'll start to feel cold.  

The multi-layer system

Day or night, a multi-layer system is ideal. The first step is to put on a close-fitting garment, preferably made of linen. For example, we suggest you wear one of our many medieval tunics or dresses, such as the Halvar linen tunic or Elisa Dress. This first layer should be changed regularly, as it's close to the skin and will be in contact with it.

You can then wear a middle layer, which can be made of linen, cotton or wool. The Leif Underwear Tunic and the Lagertha Underwear Tunic are excellent bases for all costumes, while some models will add a dynamic touch of color. For Nordic-inspired costumes, we have a lot of Viking-inspired clothing. 

For a more complex look and added warmth, you can always add an extra layer like a vest, robe or cloak. A jacket, for example, can be reused even if you change the previous two layers to stay dry. The Scoundrel Vest is a timeless classic, perfect for military characters. A piece of fabric attached to the costume or Armstreet's splendid surcoat adds richness to the costume. The Pierre doublet or the colorful Landsknecht imperial jacket allows for a more historical style, and velvet adds an interesting texture to the costume.

Generally speaking, the central layers are the most visible part of the multi-layer system. Now's the time to show off your character's versatility in cold weather!

Finally, we recommend a wool coat or cape as an outer layer. Tons of models are versatile and available in a lot of range of colors, perfect for all types of medieval kits. For coats, why not create the one that best suits your character with a customizable coat? 

This type of ensemble will enable you to retain your warmth better and offers you the possibility of removing layers when you're too hot to avoid sweating and feeling cold afterward. This multi-layer system has long been used in cold weather, whether in the medieval or the Victorian era. The key to a dynamic, lively LARP costume is layers! Add a few belts, your purses, your weapon; and you're ready to continue your nocturnal adventures.

Drying your clothes in LARP  

Now that you know it's imperative to stay dry to keep warm, what do you do when your clothes get wet? We've all experienced several torrential downpours during the last few LARP seasons, and a big downpour can always happen without warning. You may be tempted to lay your clothes out in the sun to dry. Don't forget to take them off the clothesline, as the evening and morning dew will soak them. 

You can get into the habit of putting your dry clothes in your sleeping bag. However, be sure to leave your sleeping bag slightly open so that any moisture that may have accumulated in it can circulate and leave it. There's nothing more unpleasant than a clammy, cold tunic in the early hours of the morning.

As soon as you feel that your first layer is cold, take a few moments to change. This means bringing plenty of replacement clothing. You'll thank yourself when you put on dry socks and a dress after a great battle in the cold! 

Tips and tricks

Are you hot during the day and only a little chilly in the evening? You can opt for our tops with removable sleeves, such as a short-sleeved coat or lightweight sleeveless gambisons. You can also wear wool half-capes created by our team to give you a little warmth (lien pour les demi-capes).

We also advise you to cover the extremities of your body, such as your head, hands and feet, as these areas are the most vulnerable to the cold. We have a wide variety of medieval combat gloves and hats in-store or online.

One of our favorite hats is the Medieval Felt Hat. It comes in several colors and can easily be worn over a cotton headdress, such as the Bertram coif. A lot of medieval hats are made of wool, and they offer protection and style to their wearer. If you're looking for a more maritime aesthetic, what better than a Pirate Hat or a tricorn if you prefer leather hats?

Another essential for keeping out the cold in LARP: gaiters, or winnigas. These are strips of cotton or wool fabric, stretching from the ankle to the knee. They keep you warm and protect you from insects in LARP. One of the most popular models is the Aki wool gaiter, which can be double-knit (herringbone style) or, after tight wrapping, closed with the Uri 2-pin set. With a few stitches, it's possible to attach fasteners, like the Gaiter Brooches. These options all add a layer of warmth and complexity to your costume. 

Don't forget one last scarf to protect you from the cold. You'll be able to bundle up in your detailed medieval costume, knowing that you're proudly representing your character while staying warm! 

Going Further

Need a little help thinking of the perfect warm garment for your character? Would you like more advice or to try out some garments? Come and see our excellent team of in-store advisors, or give us a call to make an appointment with our made-to-measure workshop!

• Opening hours: Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Artisans d'Azure phone number: (514) 564-1068

• Custom section