How Create a Fantasy LARP Costume

When creating a character, it's important to think about the universe they come from. Does this elf come from distant forests, or this dwarf from desertic mountains? Does this orc adventurer come from a cold land governed by an anarchic government? Does this alchemist obey the orders of a century-old monarch? The unique worlds of Quebec's LARPs allow us to experience memorable events. Our characters' costumes become a representation of these imaginary cultures. Historical items can be used to illustrate this diversity, but to bring your characters to life in a fantasy universe, it's best to infuse them with a dose of the wonderful, the bizarre and the colorful.

To depict these worlds, these characters and to appeal to the imagination, several elements can be used and added to a costume to make it more complex. It's also possible to create customized costume pieces that tell your character's story.

Hats

Summer being the busiest time of year for LARPs, most regulars wear a hat, which can easily symbolize the character's social status as well as protect them from the sun.

A well-feathered musketeer's hat can adorn the head of decorated military characters, while a wide-brimmed hat or straw tricorn adorned with fake plants and foliage will set the tone for a peasant or a forest witch. For more mysterious characters, a hood is essential. Most of the hats offered by Les Artisans d'Azure are easily customizable and adapt well to your style, so don't hesitate to draw inspiration from your favorite pop culture characters.

Clothing

It's often said that the key to a good costume is clothing layering. Whether it's a laced shirt under a sleeveless jacket, a corset or a belt over a tunic, a tabard with geometric shapes or a puff-sleeved coat, think about the movements you'll need to make and how the fabric will emphasize your character's silhouette. Take a look at our tunics and blouses to start your ensemble. To add a touch of fantasy, it's easy to add brooches on your coat or conchos to your belt to remind the aesthetics of your character's religion, people or nation.

When it comes to making choices, in addition to the aesthetics of your fantasy character, think about the comfort of the clothing. In general, it's best to opt for linen, cotton or other natural fibres, since these fabrics breathe better, keeping you cooler on hot days. Otherwise, blends of natural and synthetic fabrics are very affordable. Since polyester is made from plastic, you may quickly find yourself uncomfortable in your costume if you move around a lot.

Furthermore, beautiful trains are the stuff of dreams for noble princes or powerful magicians, but be careful about the terrain used by the LARP before you wear one. If you're planning to fight, stroll off the beaten track or climb stairs quickly, your train may not only get dirty, but also cause you to trip over roots. In general, long garments are worn no higher than the ankle, or even halfway up the shin. To use this aesthetic, don't hesitate to wear a veil or hat with a veil, a cape, or even add long pieces of fabric around your neck (as a scarf) or waist to show off your character's movement elsewhere.

The cloaks and capes remain an essential element that can recover the elegance of a train, but also adds an imaginary touch to the whole. It's rare not to see a character from popular culture inspired by medieval fantasy who isn't wearing one. From Robin Hood to John Snow, Little Red Riding Hood to the Fellowship of the Ring, their capes are part of their aesthetic. The color of the cape can represent something about your character (their favorite color, their kingdom of origin, etc.), or a fibula attached to it can recall a lore element of the LARP. It's not uncommon to see capes embellished with ribbons, pearls or even symbols, which are beautiful, creative projects perfect for conveying your character's intentions at a glance. What's more, in case of rain or cold, the cape is sure to protect you!

Armor Pieces

Armor can easily represent a character's martial prowess, as well as protecting them in battle. While many styles are inspired by historical armor, others are inspired by fantasy characters, such as elven or dwarven armor, and can be made of steel, aluminum or leather. From Viking armor to assassin's armor, choose your pieces according to your character: leather helmets, bracers, pauldrons or greaves will add a superb touch to your costume. You don't have to start with a full set of armor if you want to armor yourself: one piece at a time, often starting with the torso or bracers, will show your character's progress in their military training.

Of course, many female warriors and mercenaries also need well-fitted armor! We're proud to have created a ton of armor for women LARPers, from Viking styles to corset-like armor. 

The armors created by Artisans d'Azure, handcrafted in our workshop, are not only comfortable and strong, they're also guaranteed for life!

Accessories

For a complete costume, you need more than a tunic or dress. Accessories are not only the finishing touch to a costume, but they also help to represent the details of your character and are very practical. Is the ring this mercenary wears around her neck from her childhood? Does this wizard's magic wand hold runes of unknown power? Jewels become opportunities to carry on the roleplay as well as being an extension of the fantasy character you play. 

Of course, all LARPers carry at least one pouch containing the essentials for their adventures, attached to a medieval leather belt. For herbalists, alchemists or ritualists, a good bag can be a handy thing to have, allowing you to have everything you need with you so you don't have to return to your camp during the day. Having good roleplay equipment (seals, wax, lute, etc.) when our character needs specific materials helps to embody our characters' professions. Another way of expressing fantasy culture is through eating and drinking utensils. Does your character prefer versatile canteens or well-decorated tankards? 

An aspect often overlooked, but a good pair of boots can sometimes be all that's missing from a costume to make it an aesthetically pleasing ensemble.

Make-up and special effects

The first thing that characterizes fantasy species is that they don't necessarily have the same physical attributes as humans. Their skins, eyes or ears can be drastically different. You can equip yourself with elven long ears, vampire fangs, extravagantly colored contact lenses, orc masks or goblin teeth. We have specialized products for creating these kinds of special effects and which will be comfortable and durable for LARP. You'll find all the tools you need to create your own imaginative make-up. If you're not sure how to get started, ask our sales staff for application advice, either in-store or over the phone!

Our most popular special products include elf ear prostheses, orc ear prostheses and halfelin ear prostheses that can be painted to match your skin color!

Weapons

Some fantasy characters are known for a martial aesthetic that differs from the historical norm. Dwarven swords, small elven swords and broad-bladed katanas have different aesthetics from the historical classics. So you can also distinguish yourself by the sword you wield in battle. The detail, style and shape of your sword can enhance the character you choose to portray. If you opt for a long or hast weapon, we advise you to choose a back scabbard to prevent it from dragging on the ground. And don't forget that you can go even further in the aesthetic arrangement of your weapons. Think about creating a good stylistic synergy between your weapons and your shield, if you have one. Otherwise, for forest-loving characters, a bow is an essential fighting tool.

Conclusion and creation

It's important to play with a wide variety of clothing and accessories to make your costume more complex and representative of a fantasy culture. The devil really is in the details; from jewelry to fibulae, from embroidered capes to hats, it's the whole package that will embody your fantasy character. For more ideas, take a look at our inspirations for starting your costume. 

Need more advice on how to get your LARP outfit just right? Call or visit our shops to talk to one of our advisors, or book an appointment with our custom workshop! We also offer personalized engraving and printing services for your projects.

• Artisans d'Azure phone number: (514) 564-1068
• Want a special project? As a quote for a Custom Costume!
• Visit one of our 2 stores to see the products in person