Landsknecht Hat

The Landsknecht Hat is a bold, layered headpiece that owes its design to 16th-century German mercenaries who made fashion as permanent as their fighting. In profusion of color and rich in design, this cut-wool hat is perfect for anyone building a unique Landsknecht costume or simply looking for a way to add a touch of style to late-period Renaissance attire. One of Epic Armoury's Yoremade patterns, this hat is both historically accurate and durable, making it suitable for use in modern LARP, faire, or reenactment.

Made from gentle wool with a cotton lining, it's both comfortable and authentic, at a price that's ideal for costumed events and long-term outdoor use. And despite how extravagant it looks, it's also functional; the built-in ties make it possible for you to tie it around your chin, so it will not move even on the gustiest day or most brutal duel.

Based on the Frundsberg-Style Renaissance Hats

This piece is influenced by the Frundsberg hat, a thoroughly documented example of 16th-century headwear that wedded excessive shape with elegant structure. Excessive brim, layered felted wool, and contrasting slashes are reminiscences of mercenaries' rowdiness, who dressed to be seen and remembered.

Landsknechts were not only famous for their battle prowess, but also for their distinctive attire. This hat captures that energy and can be used as part of a full Landsknecht outfit or simply as an adornment to add poise to any Renaissance attire.

Features That Elevate the Look

• Slashes in the outer wool: The dramatic look features layered wool panels with decorative slashes, showcasing two strikingly contrasting colors, in the same fashion as the originals.
• Soft cotton lining: Maintains the hat at a comfortable wear-all-day temperature, even in the heat or as an addition to other headgear.
• Chin ties for security: Practical cotton ties hold the hat firmly in place during exercise or windy conditions, requiring no adjustment.

Disclaimer: Feathers and coifs, as seen here, aren't included, but can be added for the ultimate oomph.

The way the human children look at you, you would assume they have never seen an elf before. Granted, it isn’t often that you travel into cities. You prefer the tranquil sounds of the forest, away from the stench and chaos of busy human streets.

However, you have business with a certain wizard in town. So while your elven garb--decorated Fur Hood, tunic, and weapons--cause you to stand out amongst the crowd, you continue without raising a fuss. After all, they are only short-lived creatures. They don’t know any better than to stare.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Fur Hood is an embroidered mantle with a long hood tail. The mantle covers the shoulders, keeping the upper chest warm while the hood protects the head and face from harsh wind. Elvish embroidery and polyester fur trim embellishes this hood, adding great detail to the felted wool. The inside is lined with soft, comfortable cotton.

Hoods are great garments for rounding off character looks, and the Fur Hood is a stylish garment that especially fits a roguish or elven character. Adjust the hood’s facial opening with flat split-leather cord lacing at the throat.

HISTORY

• One of the oldest garments known to humanity
• Common fashion in medieval Europe, especially with a hood

You tighten your Ring Belt another notch, frowning at the watered-down soup over the fire. It’s been a long winter, and you and your family aren’t sure you’re going to have enough food. As you consider ways you might be able to afford some meat--maybe you can do some work for a merchant in town?--there’s an anxious knock on the door.

“Raiders!” shouts the messenger on your doorstep. “Raiders are coming! Every able person is being called to fight!”

Suddenly an empty belly is the least of your worries.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Ring Belt is a long leather belt made from 3 mm thick full-grain buffalo leather. Strong and durable, this belt is also extremely practical with its various D-ring hangers and leather straps for attaching equipment. With a rounded belt-tongue and 10 punched holes, adjust this belt to a large range of sizes to fit your unique body. Secure the belt using its solid brass belt buckle.

The Ring Belt is handsome and clean, making it a perfect fit for almost any character in any setting you care to play.

HISTORY

• Belts have been documented for male clothing since the Bronze Age between 3200–600 B.C.
• More commonly a male fashion item, with the exception of the Middle Ages

Oh no, you think, as a sword and a helmet are thrust into your farm-calloused hands. You’ve never been trained as a soldier, let alone asked to fight on a dangerous battlefield!

But here you are, suddenly standing in a row of your neighbors. You await the advancing orc raid said to be headed for your farms and your town, and you just hope that somehow you’ll make it through. At least your Helmet feels solid on your head. That’s something to be thankful for, at least...right?

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Ready for Battle Brawl Belt is a long slender belt made from black chrome-tanned, split-leather, providing a good anchor for swords and pouches. The belt is segmented, each segment twin-layered and interlocked with the next, reinforced by a thick leather cord that runs along the length of the belt. The belt is secured with a rounded iron buckle.

Ready for Battle Brawl Belt is simple, but functional. With its low-fantasy style, this is a good belt for almost any character you care to dream up.

HISTORY

• Belts have been documented for male clothing since the Bronze Age between 3200–600 B.C.
• More commonly a male fashion item, with the exception of the Middle Ages

As a squire, you are up before dawn training and serving your Master. You are expected to have your Master’s armour polished and ready at a moment’s notice. There isn’t a moment to yourself that isn’t being spent thinking about your work. Without your Master’s blessing, you’ll never become a Knight.

This particular morning you secure your Squire Belt over your breeches an shirt, noticing how the notch has to be let out a little more. You aren’t the scrawny squire you once were; it’s a good sign.

DETAILS

This bestselling Ready for Battle Squire Belt is made from three narrow chrome-tanned leather strips and provides a great anchor for weapons and equipment. The leather strips are braided and secured at either end with leather and a rounded iron buckle. This belt is highly adjustable. Just secure the iron buckle to any desired tightness through the braided leather.

The Ready for Battle Squire Belt is simple and easy to use, yet adds style and interest to a costume with its low-fantasy design. It can be made to fit a wide range of characters, cultures or settings.

HISTORY

• Belts have been documented for male clothing since the Bronze Age between 3200–600 B.C.
• More commonly a male fashion item, with the exception of the Middle Ages