Every summer, I smile when people tell me:
"Aren't you terribly hot in all those medieval clothes?"
My answer usually surprises them.
Actually... no.
Not nearly as hot as I would be wearing tight polyester leggings and a synthetic cosplay costume.
Most LARP events and medieval festivals don't stop because of a heatwave. They simply continue. The tents go up, the battles begin, the markets open, and everyone hopes for a little breeze.
I've attended enough summer events to know one thing for certain:
The Middle Ages understood summer dressing far better than many modern clothing manufacturers.
Forget Lycra. Give Me Washed Cotton.
One of my favourite fabrics is washed cotton.
It is soft, breathable, comfortable, and it moves beautifully. On a hot day, a full medieval skirt made from washed cotton feels wonderfully airy. As you walk, the fabric creates its own little breeze around your legs.
That may sound like a tiny detail, but after eight hours at a LARP event, you'll notice the difference.
People are often surprised when I say this.
They expect a long medieval skirt to be unbearably warm.
In reality, I often feel much cooler wearing one than I would in tight jeans or sportswear.
Loose clothing allows air to move.
Tight clothing traps heat.
Sometimes history simply got it right.
Natural Fabrics Are Your Best Friend
At Historique Couture, I only work with natural fabrics like washed cotton, linen, twill and silk.
Not just because they look authentic.
Because they feel authentic too.
Natural fibres breathe.
They absorb moisture.
They don't cling to your skin when the temperature rises.
That's exactly what you want when you're walking through a medieval market, exploring a fantasy village or spending an entire weekend at a LARP.
Layers Can Actually Help
This may sound strange, but wearing the right underdress or chemise often makes you cooler, not warmer.
A lightweight cotton chemise absorbs perspiration and keeps your outer dress from sticking to your skin.
Our ancestors didn't invent these layers to make life difficult.
They invented them because they worked.
Shade Is Part of the Adventure
Whenever possible, I become best friends with every tree on the site.
A shady corner.
A medieval tent.
A quiet bench.
That is where you'll usually find me with a large bottle of water and—of course—an ice-cold matcha.
Hydration is probably the least medieval thing I carry...
...but definitely the smartest.
Never Leave Home Without a Fan
If I could recommend only one accessory for a summer LARP, it would be a folding fan.
Elegant.
Practical.
Tiny enough to carry everywhere.
And wonderfully effective.
I honestly don't understand why more people don't bring one.
My Personal Favourite
If you ask me what to wear during a heatwave, my answer is simple.
A loose medieval skirt made from washed cotton.
A lightweight cotton chemise.
Natural fabrics.
Comfortable shoes.
A fan and plenty of water.
Honestly...
Forget the modern Lycra.
Forget plastic-looking polyester costumes.
The Middle Ages already solved this problem hundreds of years ago.
Sometimes I think our ancestors were much smarter than we give them credit for.
They dressed for the weather, not for Instagram.
And after spending a hot summer weekend at a LARP in one of my washed cotton skirts, I can only say one thing:
I wouldn't want to wear anything else.
Have a wonderful summer, stay safe, drink plenty of water—and perhaps let the Middle Ages teach you how to survive a heatwave.
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