Coats & cloaks – garb for the hours after sunset
By day, garb is a matter of style; by night, it becomes a real-world necessity. When the temperature drops on the camp field and the fire only warms your front, the cloak separates the romantics from the freezing. No other piece of garb combines as much function with as much impact: a cloak warms, protects from rain, doubles as a blanket in a pinch – all while making you look like you have more important things to do than be cold. At Elbenwald you'll find coats and cloaks for LARP, market, and every occasion where a blazer would be the wrong era.
What matters most in a coat or cloak?
Material, surface area, and closure. Material decides the real-world test: wool is the scene's classic, because it still warms when damp and tolerates sparks from the campfire rather than melting – lighter fabrics, in turn, excel at drape. What your chosen piece uses is stated on the product page. Surface area determines usefulness: a skimpy cloak is an accessory, a wide one is a mobile home – the rule of thumb is that you should be able to wrap yourself in it completely. And the closure carries the load: a brooch, clasp, or tie works best positioned so the cloak neither chokes nor wanders. The rest is role-play in the literal sense – hood up, and the tavern wonders who just walked in.
Frequently asked questions
Which cloak is suitable for cold nights at conventions and markets?
A wide cloak made of wool or a similarly warming fabric, large enough to wrap yourself in, ideally with a hood or gugel. It replaces your jacket by the campfire, your pillow on the bench, and, if needed, a second blanket in the tent – three pieces of gear in one.
What's the difference between a coat and a cloak?
The cloak is sleeveless and sits over the shoulders – quick on, quick off, maximum drape. The coat has sleeves or a closed shape and wears like a garment, not like a wrap. For handling things by the fire, the coat is more practical; for the entrance, the cloak almost always wins.
How do I keep a cloak in place while walking?
Through a well-fitted closure: a brooch or clasp on the collarbone instead of the throat, so nothing pulls. In wind, the classic trick helps – throwing one side over the opposite shoulder – which keeps the fabric secure and looks intentional.
Is a cloak allowed to touch the ground?
Better not: a hem with two fingers of ground clearance stays clean, doesn't catch under your heels, and survives stairs. Save floor-length drama for appearances on solid ground – the camp field always wins otherwise.
Range overview
Coats & cloaks are the outermost layer of the Medieval & LARP world – underneath, Shirts & Tunics, Doublets & Tabards, and dresses work together following the layering principle. Headwear takes over where the hood ends, shoes take over at the other end, and the belt makes sure everything under the cloak has its place.
What else goes with it?
The great cloak role models famously come from Middle-earth – The Lord of the Rings has long convincingly demonstrated that you can shape entire ages while wearing a grey cloak. If you prefer it darker, The Witcher offers inspiration – and for the fight under the coat, LARP gear is ready and waiting.
