Why do I need garb?

And what garb will I need?

In the SCA, to attend an official event, you are required to wear an attempt at medieval attire. For most people, this means an outfit from some place in Europe, from some time between 600 and 1600. A lot of people see this as an important part of "playing the game."

What is the game? No, it's not the game of thrones, but it perhaps has some similarities.

It looks a lot like an SCA Feast.

The SCA began in the mid 1960's, by a group of people who loved the romanticised image of the middle ages, and really, really enjoyed having medieval themed parties.

While the SCA is not a historical reenactment group, for some, it's more of an on-going work of performance art, it's about the persona they create, and how they portray them. It's about playing the medieval version of you, and the best way to get into character, is to be dressed appropriately. In many ways, it's like Narnia, you need to go through the wardrobe to get to the magical land.

An on-going piece of performance art, a bit like Galavant, but with less singing and dancing.

These days, typical SCA events include feasts, revels, balls, tournaments on foot, archery shoots, wars, camping, and the biggest one in Australia: Rowany Festival, which includes everything.

The garb you need will depend upon what you want to attend.

 Do you want to be like Danielle de Barbarac at the ball?

For most people, their first outfit needs to be versatile. It needs to look good enough for attending a feast, but also be suitable for attending a tournament on a chilly day.

An outfit needs to be in layers, the under layer, the layer that gets washed the most often. The middle layer, the one that needs to look good. If you decorate it with trims and beading, you won't want to be washing it every time you wear it, it's why you need the under layer. The outer layer, generally a cloak or coat or over-gown, something to keep you warm if it gets chilly, but can be removed if it is too warm.

Do you want to be like "Sir Ulrich von Liechtenstein," and wear a tunic made from a tent?

I'm sure it's weather proof.

Once you have attended a few events, you will probably be inspired to make a few more outfits. Perhaps something really nice, for when SCA Royalty visit. Maybe you want to take up arms, which will mean you will need garb to fight in. Maybe you'll hear all about Festival, and will really want to go, and for that, you will need more than a couple of outfits.

 

Nice outfit Robin, but you didn't need to bring the boar, an SCA Feast will have plenty of food

 Things to watch: Game of Thrones; Galavant; Ever After; A Knights Tale; Robbin Hood: Men in Tights

 By Laetitia de Harfleur