Character Clothing
by Alisa Anne Andrews
(United States)
Question: I have tried to write for most of my life, but I've only recently started to get the hang of it. I write mostly fantasy, which means I need to create many aspects of the culture, and that includes clothing. I intend to find the styles close to the culture style of the story's world and change it somewhat. I try to look up clothing styles from different times and places around the world, but I can't ever seem to find what I am looking for. Is there a better way to find the style of clothing I am looking for? Are there better places to look for them, or maybe I am not searching with the right criteria?
Answer: Well, since you are creating a fantasy world, what you're looking for may ultimately come from your imagination.
I think you're taking the right approach by looking at costume history. That's often what film and theatre designers turn to.
The other approach would be to consider what materials are available in your fantasy world. Do they have cotton, flax, silk, or some made-up fibre source? Are the animal hides the same as in our world? Which materials are reserved for certain social classes, perhaps because they are rare?
Also, what is the economy like? Do most families weave and sew their own clothing (in which case time constraints may mean fewer, simpler garments) or are there weavers and tailors? For example, upper class women may have more time to do embroidery and fine needle work than the average housewife (assuming sewing is women's work in your story world).
People's environment, occupation etc. also affect clothing choices. Is it cold enough to need furs? Is there a need for waterproofing or more protective garments?
Of course, most of the time you don't need a lot of detail about clothing, unless a particular clothing choice identifies a character or plays an important role in the story. A few details can be enough to give the reader an image of the story world. The rest may be left to the readers' imaginations.
Comments for Character Clothing
|
||
|
||
|
||
Recent Postings
-
Guardian or Contagonist?
May 26, 18 10:35 PM
Question: If I understand correctly, the guardian and contagonist help the protagonist achieve his goal and tempt him away from it respectively. But what
-
Too little consistency with the characters?
May 26, 18 10:28 PM
Hello First of all, thank you very much for all the useful information and help you’re providing, your website has already helped me a lot. My question
| search engine by freefind |
Celebrating our 2nd year as one of the...
Step-by-Step Novel Planning Workbook
NEW! Make Money Writing Nonfiction Articles
"I've read more than fifty books on writing, writing novels, etc., but your website has the most useful and practical guidance. Now that I understand how a novel is structured, I will rewrite mine, confident that it will be a more interesting novel." - Lloyd Edwards
"Thanks to your "Create a Plot Outline in 8 Easy Steps," I was able to take a story that I simply just fooled around with and went willy nilly all over, into a clearly defined, intriguing battle where two characters fight to keep their relationship intact, and try to find a balance in control of themselves and their lives. Thanks to you, I'm not ashamed of the poor organization of my writing." - Nommanic Ragus
"I am so glad I found your site. It has helped me in so many ways, and has given me more confidence about myself and my work. Thank you for making this valuable resource, for me and my fellow writers. Perhaps you'll hear about me someday...I'll owe it to you." - Ruth, Milton, U.S.A.
"I never knew what to do with all the characters in my head, but since discovering Dramatica I am writing again in my spare time. Thank you for making this available. Yes, it is a bit complex, and it does take time, but I love it because it works." - Colin Shoeman
"I came across your website by chance. It is a plethora of
knowledge, written in a simplistic way to help aspiring writers. I
truly appreciate all of the information you have provided to help me
successfully (relative term) write my novel. Thank you very much!" - Leo T. Rollins
"I can honestly say that this is the first website that is really helpful. You manage to answer complex questions in relatively short articles and with really intelligent answers. Thank you for taking the time to write these articles and sharing them so generously." - Chrystelle Nash
"...had no idea that a simple click would give me such a wealth of valuable information. The site not only offered extremely clear and helpful instructions but was a very enjoyable read as well. The education from your wonderful site has made me a better writer and your words have inspired me to get back to work on my novel. I wish to give you a heartfelt thanks for How to Write a Book Now, sir." -- Mike Chiero
