Peasant Dress

You own two dresses--one for work, and one for special occasions. You are careful to treat each article as though it is precious.

So, you are patching up your Peasant Dress once again. You have been mending it for years, adjusting the fit and fixing unraveled stitches and torn hems. It is a good thing you saved the money for this heavy cotton dress in the first place! It has survived the abuse of regular labor well, all things considered.

Many people are not so lucky.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Peasant Dress is a graceful but casual sleeveless dress designed to shine on its own or to be combined with other Epic Armoury clothes. With a V-cut neckline and a tailored waist, this ankle-length dress is both comfortable and appealing. Adjust the fit to your preference by tightening the drawstring brace on the front, which can be tied shut or worn visible depending on the style desired. The waistline can also be adjusted with a cloth strap around the back.

Made from soft cotton, the Peasant Dress is a great start to a special costume. While inspired by Renaissance design, this dress can easily be used by almost any character or culture with a little creativity.

HISTORY

• Most peasants of the Middle Ages only owned two sets of clothing, which would be patched and mended for years
• Also referred to as a “kirtle,” which is a garment worn over a chemise or smock
• Popular garment worn by middle class women in the 1400-1600s

The Romans control the British Isles--and your home. What was once your tribe has been taken from you in the name of the Emperor, but you will not be silenced.

You look the part of a leader in your Battle Skirt as you meet with your warriors in secret. You are plotting a revolt against your oppressors, the spark that will ignite the fire and the war that is sure to follow. You will not stand down. You are prepared to do everything it takes to win back what is rightfully yours.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Battle Skirt is an ankle-length, loose garment suitable for both men and women. Designed to be worn on the hips, this heavy cotton skirt is fitted with cotton drawstrings at the waist to keep it secure with or without a belt. Slits at the front, back and sides allow for easy movement during combat, and are reinforced with patches of split-leather to prevent tearing.

The Battle Skirt is great for defining a unique character uniform. Whether you are a one-man army wanting to stand out, or you are in a unit of soldiers and want to blend in, you will appear both stylish and dangerous by wearing this Battle Skirt.

HISTORY

• Outside Western cultures, skirts have traditionally been a part of men’s clothing since ancient times
• Skirted garments were worn by men in Europe until the Victorian period
• The Greek War Goddess Athena was depicted wearing a skirt into battle

You look upon your leading officer as he makes his way down the line of your fellow soldiers. Your fate and the fate of your entire unit is dependent on this veteran’s word, and you find yourself relieved not to shoulder such a heavy burden.

“We must fight!” your officer shouts for all to hear. You adjust your Leather Brigandine, double checking the buckles as you listen to him continue. “For our homes and for our families, we will fight until we can fight no more!” With a resounding cheer, your fellow soldiers ready themselves for the charge. You withdraw your weapon, eager and afraid all at once.

The battle has begun.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury's Leather Brigandine is leather armour reinforced with heavy leather plates designed to protect the entire torso, upper thighs and groin. Made from full-grain leather and brass coated rivets, this menacing waistcoat is both lightweight and durable. Secure this brigandine with five heavy leather straps and brass buckles down the front, further adjustable by tightening leather cords along the flanks between the armpit and midthigh.

The Leather Brigandine is fully compatible with other Epic Armoury armours, and its distinctive but low-fantasy style allow it to be used across games and characters. With the proper leather care, you can expect this armour to withstand the abuse of a LARP or reenactment for a long time!

HISTORY

• Worn over a gambeson or coat of chainmail by soldiers ranging from archers to knights
• Came into wide use during the 1400s, but this particular style was more popular in the 16th century
• Provided more mobility, but less protection than plate armour

BUILT UPON A GREAT FOUNDATION

Epic Armoury’s Shift Isobel is an elegant underdress with front lacing, designed to pair with the most beautiful and luxurious dresses. Made from light and breathable cotton crepé, this dress reaches from the shoulders to the ankles and features beautiful curved lines that will compliment any size. Lace embellishments has been added around the neckline and narrow sleeve cuffs for an extra nice touch.

Wear this shift as a base layer for your costume and keep your more elaborate, expensive outer layers clean! The skirt flares out and has lots of excess fabric to give an outer skirt a full look, eliminating the need for a petticoat.

The Shift Isobel is a sophisticated design that will suit many LARPer, cosplayer, and reenactor needs! Slip the shift on and tighten the lacing up the front using the hand sewn eyelets and our blue cotton laces.

Comfortable Underdress

• Historically worn as a women’s undergarment
• Shifts and chemises were used to keep outer clothing clean, and they were typically made of cheaper material that was easier to wash

A span of a few heartbeats can make for a greater memory than the sum of a mundane year. Never has a fighter been feared most than this warrior in a dress!

The Adelina Dress from Epic Armoury is a rough woven cotton dress is made from uneven cloth to give the appearance of hand-spun fabric. This casual dress has an adjustable, fitted bodice with ribbon ties at the waist to accentuate the female form. The Adelina Dress is a full-length dress with a v-neckline that is both flattering and historical in appearance. This period dress is a timeless design with a versatile style that can fit well with any costume, the perfect attire for spring and summer renaissance events, medieval marriages or Larp games. 

The model is wearing:

Adelina Dress Blue with Basic Dress Black, Rolf Boots and the models own hair accessories.

Adelina Dress Black with Tunic, Rolf Boots and the models own hair accessories.

Adelina Dress Yellow with Elven Tunic, Rolf Boots, Twin Belt Leather and the models own hair accessories. 

You’ve been told that it’s not what’s on the outside that counts, but the inside. A beautiful lady in all her elegant skirts and jewelry is only as lovely as her personality. Despite her beauty, she could truly be a rotten core, putrid and a blemish on society.

As you consider yourself and your newest gown in the mirror, the only ‘inside’ you’re concerned with is the inside of the dress’ scratchy wool. Thankfully your Astrid Shift is doing a rather impeccable job keeping you comfortable and itch-free. Perhaps it really is all about what is on the inside that counts.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury's Shift Astrid is a simple and loose fitting slip-on underdress. Made from light and breathable cotton, this dress is designed to be a base layer for your costume. This shift will help keep your more elaborate, detailed outer layers clean while also moderating body temperature. The dress reaches from the shoulders to the ankles and has a wide gusseted skirt with plenty of room, making movement easy.

The roomy, drop shoulder sleeves are long and tied at the wrist with a cotton drawstring in order to keep them out of the way. The Shift Astrid is a simple, but classic design that will suit many LARPers, cosplayers, and reenactors comfortably--whether it be for fantasy or period perfection!

HISTORY

• Historically worn as a women’s undergarment
• Gussets--the triangular piece of fabric added to the skirt--were traditionally used at the hems of chemises to shape the garment to the body

As a ranger, you roam the forest in search of adventure!

Epic Armoury's Rebel cotton Dress provides the perfect cover for sneaking about the woods. This fantasy-based sleeveless dress is made to be worn over any Larp costume and designed to endure harsh combat. Fairies, Elves or any style ranger will enjoy the convenience and the beauty of this garment. The dress comes equipped with a high tunnel collar and an oversized hood, allowing you to camouflage your face as you hide while providing some protection against the elements. The bottom of the dress possesses ruffled edges, enhancing the decorum of this fantasy dress. The dress can be tied at the sides using cotton drawstrings and is the perfect costume for hot summer months.

“The servants worked swiftly under her command. It was obvious that their respect for her had taken root following her resolute and fair rulership in the absence of the Jarl. Nobody knew how long this situation would last, but as the king and his hird were on their way, the mead hall was prepared for a royal reception. Standing in the centre of it all in her beautiful blue dress and silver jewellery, the townsfolk seemed confident that Estrid would negotiate well on their behalf.”

The Estrid Dress is inspired by the stalwart folk of the northern shores. It is made of herringbone-patterned cotton and features a tie string on the back for an adjusted fit and a beautiful woven lining along the dress bottom. Depending on colour and accessory choice, the Estrid Dress is well-suited for many characters, such as northern commoners, shield maidens and clan nobles. Will you be there to pluck the strings of destiny?

Colour clarification:

• Night Grey = dark grey herringbone
• Ranger Grey = medium grey herringbone