For most of my costumes, I assume that my time outside will be minimal. Nothing more than walking from the parking lot to the venue. But there are plenty of reasons for outdoor events to be costume events as well, such as Ren Faires, Live Action Role Play (LARP), Historical Reenactment, Film Shoots, and outdoor theatre.
In this post I want to go over how to make sure your costume can deal with:
- Heat and Cold
- Precipitation
- Sun Exposure
- Uneven Terrain
- Dirt/Mud/Dust
- Shopping Convenience
- Staying Healthy and Hydrated
Your physical health, safety and comfort should be a top consideration in designs.
Temperatures 🌡
When and where the event is located will affect the weather you'll likely encounter. So here are some suggestions for adjusting or planning your design to suit the typical temperature of the event's location.
Hot Weather 😎
For our body to keep cool, it needs sweat to evaporate off our skin. The more skin we can expose to the air, the more efficient our body can dissipate the heat. However, modesty dictates that we can't expose too much at a public event.
Fabric choice, reducing coverage, and few layers are the common tactics to dealing with hot weather.
You will want to consider plant-based natural fibers like cotton, hemp, bamboo and linen, but some silks can also be an option.
The fabric should also be thin and lightweight so it's easy for heat to dissipate.
Short sleeves or exposing more skin is the common way to naturally dissipate heat. The downside is that this will offer less protection from the sun's UV rays. So it will require extra protection to avoid sun burns. Alternatively, loose fitting clothes allow for air flow which will negate the need for full exposure.
You can also incorporate accessories such as hand fans, which are a historical option. But you can also opt for modern solutions like portable mini-fans, misting sprays, etc.
Cold Weather ⛄
It's much easier to deal with cooler weather and keep to the theme, however, most outdoor events I know of don't host in the winter.
The strategies for cold weather are thick layers, insulating fabric, and snug fit.
Animal based fibers are historically used for warmth. Wool and its many variations is the most accessible warm option available. Leather can also be an option, but it depends on its thickness and such. Furs and hides are historically used but if you have concerns with ethics you don't have to use this option.
In modern times, the synthetic version of these are also available. But they are NOT as warm.
Cloaks or Capes are a quick way to get an on-theme coat. Gloves and a variety of headwear is also an option.
Precipitation ☔
Rain, mist, snow or any other forms of moisture that can fall on you can quickly become uncomfortable. The downsides of using natural fibers in your costume means that it will get heavier if it absorbs a lot of water and reduce your body temperature. There's also the downside of it ruining your costume with water damage, shrinking or washing out paints.
To deal this this you can waterproof your fabrics. Here are a couple of methods both modern or natural to achieve this:
Now you may want to only do this to your outermost layers and shoes. So making a cloak with treated fabric is more accurate.
But it may be much easier and more practical to just get a clear poncho and wear that over your costume. It's protected and still visible. Umbrellas or very wide brimmed hats will also do.
Outdoor venues can have different policies about rain versus storms. Make sure you find out before your trip what that policy is. These places tend to only open in fair weather or are only open at a limited capacity.
Sun Exposure 🌞
Protecting your skin is best done by covering your skin with cloth, wearing sunscreen, or standing in the shade.
However, typically if the sun is out, it can also get very warm. So you may want to use lightweight fabric in your design.
Wide brimmed hats, parasols and such create artificial shade. But the modern invention of sunscreen should be on hand for you to protect yourself from sunburn and other skin conditions.
Uneven Terrain 🌄
So, the terrain at the venue may vary from paved sidewalks to dirt paths. So, if you decide to walk around in thin leather shoes, you may experience a lot of discomfort as you feel every bump, pebble, or wet spot on the ground. A hardened leather sole is likely the best option that is in keeping with a historical theme. But having any kind of sole material helps. You can even make inserts for your thin leather shoes so you have more shock absorption.
Having a walking stick can help alleviate some strain, but the best bet is a modern day walking shoe or sandal. It can be easy to hide your shoes with long skirts or boot covers if you REALLY want to stay in the spirit.
Dirt/Mud 💩
The hem of your dress or edge of your pants are going to see the most dirt. It comes from walking on dirt or mud and the natural motion kicking it up and landing on your clothes.
You could raise the hem of the leg or dress to be at your ankles so it won't drag on the ground. Or wear tall footwear like Geta with teeth or platformed shoes.
Know what is necessary to clean your costume so if it does get dirty, you can clean it later.
Same with your shoes. They should be washable and waterproof to deal with both dust and mud.
Shopping Convenience 👛
Storage for the stuff you buy and your modern devices needed to survive in our world. Phone, wallet, and any other necessities can be stored in various ways.
A coin purse, belt bag, or back pack can be designed into your costume. But you can also kind of cheat and add pockets to your design. Or just travel with your purse, tote or shoulder sling.
Health and Hydration 🥤🩹
I'm big into budget trips and not buying things like a bottle of water if I can bring my reusable water bottle. You can create a leather holder for it to make it look more like a wineskin or water gourd. (I think the Pomegranate juice "POM" has the perfect bottle shape for a water gourd.)
Wear your glasses if you need to or want to.
You'll obviously need any medication you usually need such as inhalers, allergy medicines, or EpiPens. I get blisters easily so I carry bandages with me to these things. Events typically do have first aide stations for some of these things, but I am a pre-planner. (I'm sure it's some anxiety thing. /sigh/)
And I think it's fine to bring your every-day wear or "street clothes" if your costume becomes too much.
Conclusion
Humans have existed with clothes in all types of weather for ages. You may uncover other solutions in your research. But most modern day costumed events will not meet in the same way during inclement weather. So, you may only need to account for temperature and sun exposure in the end. Just use a little common sense.
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