What Should I wear? Where Did you get that?!
Costuming & makeup
Costuming
Makeup & Prosthetics
Footwear
Costuming
Your costume is an integral part of your character!
It is much easier to play the part if you look it!
An expensive costume is not necessary to have fun!
Many players take considerable time and effort with their costumes, and it shows. In general, avoid devices that were invented in modern times; for example, zippers, blue jeans, t-shirts. Medieval-looking footwear can be expensive, so feel free to wear black or brown work boots.
Even a pair of sweat pants, old boots, and a loose belted shirt can make a good starter costume; there is always room for another warrior in a simple tunic or tabard. A good way to develop an impressive costume is to start with a few key items and add more as your character advances and your situation allows.
People should be able to look at you and tell something about your character.
Your character’s race and profession should be apparent from your appearance and roleplaying.
You do not have to maintain the classic fantasy stereotypes if you do not want to; not all Dwarves wear heavy armor, carry a battleaxe in one hand and a tankard of Dwarven spirits in the other. However, you might find it easier if everyone is able to identify you from a distance as a Dwarf.
Strive to develop a costume, the mannerisms, and colloquialisms common to the race and profession you portray.
Tunics & Pants
Breeches and a long tunic with a looped leather belt is a great starting outfit!
It is readily available and often inexpensive.
Check out our recommended vendors for a sturdy, appealing costume without breaking the bank!
We highly recommend cotton as a fabric for your LARP gear because it wears, breathes, and washes so well!
White cotton might stain like the dickens, but you look rugged and it bleaches so perfectly!
Dresses & Bodices
Chemises, dresses, skirts and bodices are found on many adventurers of Telemere, and for good reason:
This classic look can be utterly customized and can be layered for comfort and style all year round.
Cloaks
Winter months wouldn’t be complete without your trusty cloak.
Short and long, hooded and mantled, oiled and raw, a plethora of cloak options will keep you warm in many harsh locales.
Layers
Layers are important in every season, especially when rain can show up at any time. Keeping yourself dry and warm or cool and airy can make all the difference on your next adventure.
Layer up and bring extra sets of everything you can, socks especially!
Prosthetics & Accessories
Ears
From Elf ears, to Hauflin ears and beyond, accessory latex or furred ears will help you complete your look!
Tip: You can apply makeup to latex ears so that they match the rest of you!
Pros Aide Adhesive
Used to attach prosthetics to your skin, Pros Aide is a skin safe adhesive.
It has a special skin safe remover for easy and painless reapplication.
99% alcohol will work to remove the residue from the prosthetic after it comes off your skin!
Noses & Tails
Cat and wolf muzzles, Saurian scales, and all manner of tails are utilized on the various races.
Sometimes it is easier and more visually pleasing to add a prosthetic muzzle, or scales rather than painting them on. Your awesome tail will complete the look, some tails even move on their own!
Teeth
Looking for AMAZING custom made teeth for your half-ogre, Deloups, etc?
Teeth By Dnash is the only crafter we recommend, they are custom fit to snap in and out without any adhesive whatsoever.
They just FIT!
They last for decades, are brushable and fine to drink in. We love these teeth!
Makeup
Ben Nye & Mehron
Of all the makeup producers we have tested, Ben Nye & Mehron always come out on top. They help you outlast the elements and stand up to the toughest battles, feasts, weddings & funerals!
Mehron works extremely well also, their Barrier Spray and Paradise Paint is amazing!
The most important thing is to know what makeup your skin likes, especially if you are going to be wearing a lot of it!
Makeup Remover & Cold Cream
When you need to get all of that makeup OFF of you, turn to your favorite makeup remover or cold cream. Nothing works better and faster or is gentler on skin.
You can choose your favorite brands and there are also many different recipes out there!
Setting Powder & Spray
We highly recommend using setting products for anyone looking to avoid smudging or wearing away.
That means us LARPERS!
Setting powder is the last thing applied, after your makeup to ensure it all stays put.
Super useful for those painting large swaths of their body or for anyone wearing makeup during rain heavy events!
Full Body
Some races require fur or makeup on all exposed areas of the skin!
Some will paint most of their bodies, especially in the summer, but others opt to wear a base layer, painted or dyed to create the required effect!
Makeup
Tutorials
LARP makeup has unique requirements and is put through rigorous wear.
There are a seemingly unlimited number of makeup tutorials out there, so we wanted to direct you to Larp House (who are awesome in general) and their two part video of LARP makeup theory and application.
Indeed, we use very many of the products and techniques they recommend when applying PORTAL NPC makeup!!
Footwear
Comfort & Support
A tall boot will give you the most ankle support, which you will need and be grateful for when the action picks up.
Comfort for demanding long-term wear is essential as you will likely be treading many various terrains on your travels.
Aesthetics
Keeping a cohesive medieval fantasy aesthetic close to mind, many different types of footwear are at your disposal.
Spats are an inexpensive accessory you can add to a comfortable pair of boots that might not look the part on their own.
Durability & Tread
Keeping your grip on the ground will prove invaluable at PORTAL.
Make sure your footwear has an ideal tread for the elements, flat and smooth soles are not recommended!
It’s nice to have a pair of boots you can count on, some makers will even resole your boots when they wear down so your favorite pair can keep going and going…
Some Of Our Favorite Vendors
These crafters and artisans make some of the most affordable, durable and beautiful items to enhance your world immersion and keep you looking amazing!
Vendors are all linked!
Son of Sandlar
Some of the best footwear that fits every bit of the bill.
Though it does also cost quite a few of them as well.
Well worth it though, personally fitted to you and all with Vibram soles of your choosing, many satisfied customers have had a pair of these last more than five brutal years of LARP events!
Pocket Foxy
Animal Inspired Ears, Heads & Accessories.
These one of a kind creations look incredibly realistic – Based On Etsy!
Aradani Studios
FX Prosthetic Ears, all types, shapes & sizes.
Don’t forget your Sprit Gum & Remover!
Moresca
High quality clothing & accessories.
They frequent Renaissance Faires but also have a wonderful website of wares.
On the pricier side, but they do amazing work!
Burgschneider
Based in Frankfurt, Germany, Burgschneider has the ticket when it comes to affordability and quality all in one, so rare! Did we mention cotton!!?!
That tunic up there is $36, they carry multiple sizes of multiple styles of pants, dresses, tunics, cowls, skirts, etc.; highly recommended!
Scattered Skills
Serious dresses and under-garb to help you look and feel amazing!
Very affordable, fine craftsmanship and you guessed it, lots of cotton!
Full length, full sleeve dresses for under $90…yes please!
Racials
Certain races have requirements for costuming, makeup & prosthetics.
Be sure to choose a race that aligns with your desires regarding those requirements!
Inspiration Gallery
