Larp clothing
LARP attire is more than just a costume – it’s the first step towards transforming you into a believable character in a vibrant fantasy world. Whether you’re playing an armoured warrior, a mystical elf or a windswept pirate: with the right clothing, the transformation begins even before the first adventure starts. In this category, you’ll find over 170 items – from a simple padded hood to a complete gambeson set.
What is LARP clothing – and how does it differ from medieval attire?
LARP stands for Live Action Roleplay – a form of role-playing in which participants embody their characters not at a table, but in the real world. This places special demands on the clothing: it must allow freedom of movement for role-playing scenes and combat, whilst creating a fitting atmosphere and being able to be worn for several hours or even days.
The difference from classic medieval attire lies primarily in the degree of freedom. Reenactment clothing is strictly based on historical evidence – LARP attire may and should also incorporate fantasy elements. Typically, it combines historical cuts such as the gambeson, tunic or dress with aesthetics from fantasy worlds: darker colour schemes, more dramatic cuts, unusual material combinations.
The term ‘LARP fashion’ describes this stylish interpretation of historically inspired clothing for players of all character types – from rogues to healers, from nobles to travelling merchants. The style is more diverse than historical re-enactment and deliberately leaves room for creativity and character expression.
The essential garments for your LARP outfit
Gambeson & Armour
The gambeson is the centrepiece of many LARP outfits: padded, sturdy and protective. Models such as Donnergrund, Rabenfurth or Greifenfels are made from a linen blend and offer genuine protection during staged combat. The padded collar is a perfect match, providing protection beneath the neck guard.
Tunic & shirt
Tunics and shirts are the most versatile base for almost any character. As a LARP shirt or tabard, they can be combined with a belt, pouch and cloak. Available in natural, black or brown, they fit into almost any character concept.
Dresses, Skirts & Trousers
For women, LARP dresses and skirts offer a wide range of styles, often combined with bodices or belts. Men opt for LARP trousers and doublets. A padded hood is recommended as additional protection under the helmet.
LARP Costumes by Character: Who Wears What?
Knights and nobles wear elaborate gambesons with shoulder plates and neck guards. Fine fabrics, fabric buttons and meticulous craftsmanship characterise this character class. The Greifenfels gambeson with its fabric buttons is a fine example of high-end LARP armour attire. What did nobles wear historically? Alongside armour and chainmail, fine woollen robes, fur trimmings and elaborate embroidery were part of the traditional attire – elements that also work well for noble characters in LARP.
What did common folk wear in the Middle Ages? Generally, coarse woollen and linen tunics in natural colours, plain trousers and a simple belt without ornamentation. For LARP characters from the common folk – farmers, traders, craftsmen – this very simple aesthetic is ideal: a natural brown tunic, undyed linen trousers and a plain leather belt immediately create credibility without much effort.
What did clergy wear in the Middle Ages? Monks and members of religious orders wore habits and monastic robes in grey, brown or black; nuns wore white or black robes; and higher-ranking clergy sometimes wore coloured robes. For LARP characters with a clerical flavour, monk’s robes and habits are the first choice – simple, recognisable and atmospherically effective.
Fantasy characters such as elves, witches or pirates allow for the freest mix of styles: bolder colours, unusual cuts, combinations of leather, fabric and accessories. Elven clothing focuses on flowing fabrics and pointed details, witch’s clothing on dark tones and mystical accessories, pirate clothing on loose blouses and striking belts. All these styles start with a solid base outfit – a tunic or shirt as a starting point, with character-specific pieces worn over the top.
Materials: linen, cotton, viscose – which works best for LARP?
| Material | Suitability | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Linen | Historical | Gambesons, tunics, main outer fabric – breathable, robust, authentic |
| Cotton | Historical | Undergarments, linings, beginner’s clothing – soft and affordable |
| Viscose | LARP | Dresses and women’s clothing – light, flowing, but less durable |
| Polyester padding | LARP | Gambeson padding – functional for protection, no conflict with the natural fibre outer fabric |
In practice, most gambesons in the range combine an outer fabric made from a linen blend with cotton or polyester padding. This results in a comfortable fit whilst offering good protection – a sensible compromise for regular LARP use.
Price ranges and entry-level: How much does LARP clothing cost?
Padded hoods such as the Eisenbrück and padded collars are the most affordable way to get started with LARP equipment. Simple tunics for first-time events can also be found in this price range. Ideal for gaining initial playing experience on a tight budget without compromising on protection.
Full gambesons such as the Donnergrund or Rabenfurth offer solid quality for regular players. Linen-blend fabric, buckles or leather lacing and a good fit make them the centrepiece of most LARP outfits in this price range.
The Greifenfels series, with fabric buttons and more elaborate workmanship, is aimed at frequent players and characters for whom the outfit is intended to make a visible statement. The extra effort put into the workmanship makes a noticeable difference, particularly for knight and noble roles.
Tip: An affordable base item such as a tunic or padded hood can be combined well with a high-quality centrepiece like the Greifenfels gambeson – this creates a cohesive outfit without unnecessary double costs.
LARP clothing for women and men: similarities and differences
- Gambesons, tunics, doublets, LARP trousers
- Common colours: black, brown, natural
- Usually combined with a belt and belt pouch
- Wide range of sizes available (XS–XXL)
- Many items are also unisex
- Dresses, skirts, blouses, bodices
- More variety of cuts, often combined with a belt
- Larp dresses for women in flowing fabrics such as viscose
- The Eleanor range as an example of figure-hugging cuts
- Children’s clothing for younger LARP enthusiasts also available
With 170 items – from simple padded hoods to complete gambeson sets – you’ll find the perfect LARP costume for your next performance at Vehi Mercatus. Browse the range or get advice over the phone – your character is waiting to come to life.
Frequently asked questions
LARP clothing is based on historical cuts but allows significantly more scope for fantasy elements, unusual colours and stylistic freedom. Reenactment attire is strictly bound by historical evidence and is usually made from natural materials according to traditional patterns. For LARP, the focus is on atmosphere and freedom of movement; for reenactment, it is on historical accuracy.
LARP fashion refers to the stylish interpretation of historically inspired clothing for live-action role-players. It combines elements from the Middle Ages, fantasy and character design to create a cohesive outfit. The term is broad and encompasses everything – from a simple peasant tunic look to an elaborate noble’s robe or a fantasy witch’s gown.
In the Middle Ages, nobles wore fine woollen garments, fur trimmings, elaborate embroidery and armour elements such as chainmail and plate armour. For a LARP outfit, this can be achieved well with a high-quality gambeson such as the Greifenfels, shoulder plates and a neck guard. Fine fabrics in black or deep brown tones reinforce the impression of status.
For beginners, we recommend the Donnergrund or Rabenfurth gambeson – both made from a linen blend, with buckles or leather lacing, and in a reasonable price range of between 83 and 84 euros. Those who initially wish to protect only their head can start with an Eisenbrück padded hood from 16.72 euros. This allows the outfit to be built up gradually.
Yes, children’s clothing is also available in the Vehi Mercatus range. Many items from the medieval and LARP clothing categories are offered in a wide range of sizes, including those for younger players. For children, we recommend robust, easy-care materials such as cotton or linen blends.