Larp clothing women
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LARP clothing for women – more than just a costume
A good LARP outfit doesn’t start with the accessories, but with the right foundation. Whether you’re roaming a spring camp as a Viking woman, doing your first season at a medieval market, or embodying a fantasy-inspired role at a convention – the layering system of women’s LARP clothing determines just how authentic, comfortable and flexible your outfit ultimately is. In this category, you’ll find over 200 items from LARP-Kleidung, Burgschneider and Battle Merchant, with prices ranging from €20 to €59.
Undergarment, overdress, strappy dress – the basics of women’s attire
The heart of every historically inspired women’s costume is the layering system. The underdress fits directly against the body: long-sleeved, relatively close-fitting, usually ankle-length. It forms the first layer and is the indispensable foundation for both Viking settings and late medieval costumes. The best-known model in this category is the Freya underdress – it is available in numerous colours (black, natural, lime green, green, woad blue, hemp) and is made from 100% uncombed cotton with a slightly coarse texture that suits the early Middle Ages well.
Over this, one would wear either a strapless dress (a sleeveless dress that falls over the shoulders, typical of the Viking style) or a sleeved overdress, which is more characteristic of the High and Late Middle Ages. The Jodis strapless dress in wool and the Frida strapless dress in cotton are classic examples of this tier. The Haithabu overdress is based on finds from the 8th and 9th centuries and works on its own as the simplest entry-level option or in combination with the Freya underdress.
The advantage of this modular system: you can wear the same garments in different combinations, add or remove layers depending on the weather, and expand your outfit step by step. Variants for children are also available in the range – the medieval clothing for children follows the same pattern logic.
The right outfit for every occasion – from starter sets to full regalia
The Haithabu over-dress or the Frida strappy dress made from uncombed cotton are the simplest entry-level options. Both pieces work on their own, are affordable to buy and can easily be complemented later with an under-dress. Ideal for your first visit to a medieval market or a beginner’s LARP event.
Combine the Freya underdress with the Jodis strappy dress (wool) or a Haithabu overdress, and you already have a complete, stage-ready outfit for medieval markets and LARP conventions. The Thora winter underdress, made from temperature-regulating wool, is a sensible addition for colder events and military camps.
The next steps are a LARP skirt, a LARP blouse as an extra layer, plus a medieval cloak for cold and rain, and suitable footwear. Those who also value historical accuracy can add fibulae, belts and jewellery – more on this in the final section.
Materials compared: cotton, wool and what lies behind them
The choice of material is no trivial matter during long market days and multi-day stays at military camps. Natural materials actively regulate body temperature – an advantage you’ll really feel on a sweltering August day in an outdoor venue.
| Material | Suitability | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 100% cotton (uncombed) | Historical | Breathable, skin-friendly, machine washable; light, coarse texture; main material in the range |
| Wool (e.g. Jodis strappy dress) | Historical | Dimensionally stable, warm, suitable for autumn and winter events as well as military camps |
| Polyester content (occasional) | LARP | Cheaper to produce, more durable under heavy use; less comfortable than natural fibres when worn for long periods |
Our own brand, Vehi Mercatus, uses only natural fibres (cotton, linen, wool) in its products – a conscious decision, not a given. For items from other manufacturers in our range, you should check the material composition in the product description if this is important to you. Care instructions: Cotton undergarments can usually be machine-washed at 30–40 °C; wool requires a gentle wool cycle or hand washing.
Periods and styles: From the Viking era to the Late Middle Ages
Early Middle Ages / Viking Age
Strap dress (Jodis, Frida) over an underskirt (Freya) – this combination is based on finds from Haithabu and similar Scandinavian excavation sites. The cuts are loose and functional, the colours earthy. Complemented with Viking brooches and a narrow belt, this creates a harmonious Early Medieval look. Ideal for Viking LARP settings, spring camps and historically themed conventions.
High Middle Ages & Late Middle Ages
Late medieval overdresses have different cuts: emphasised waist, longer fit, often more structured fabric. The range includes models specifically labelled as ‘late medieval dresses’, which are suitable for High Medieval reenactment and castle festival events. Can be combined with a medieval blouse as a substitute for an underdress.
Fantasy LARP
Fantasy settings are not bound by historical models – here, atmosphere and playability are what count. Many of the dresses in this category (especially those by Burgschneider) can be used for elven characters, sorceresses or woodland dwellers. The LARP dresses for women and elven clothing offer further options in this area.
Fit and sizes: What you should know before buying
Medieval cuts differ systematically from modern ready-to-wear sizes. Overdresses and strappy dresses are usually cut in a trapeze style – they fall loosely over the hips and are deliberately cut wider. The underskirt, on the other hand, should fit close to the body so that it serves as a neat first layer and does not bulge out from under the strappy dress.
Recommendation: Always use the measurement charts in the product description and compare them with your own body measurements (bust, waist, hips, body length) – not just the size code on the label. With wool in particular, the structure of the material can lead to variations. If you fall between two sizes, opt for the smaller size for the slip, and the larger size for the bodice or outer dress.
If you’re unsure – particularly if you’re looking for a garment that fits as closely as possible for re-enactment – it’s a good idea to contact us by phone. Medieval clothing for women in larger sizes and medieval clothing for girls can be found in separate categories.
The overall look: complete your outfit with shoes, belts and jewellery
A dress alone does not make a costume. It is the accessories that make – or break – the overall look. This starts with footwear: anyone wearing modern trainers under a strappy dress immediately ruins the atmosphere. LARP shoes and Viking shoes are the simplest next step to complete the overall look.
In the Viking era, the brooch is an integral part of the garment’s function: the strap dress was originally fastened at the straps with two brooches – serving not just as decoration, but also providing structure. You’ll find Viking brooches and ring brooches in our jewellery range. Add to this a narrow medieval belt that cinches the underskirt at the waist whilst also serving as a strap for bags and pouches – indispensable at the market.
If you wish to expand your outfit further, you’ll find matching necklaces, bracelets and earrings in our medieval jewellery range – and protection for colder days outdoors in our medieval capes.
With a sturdy undergarment, the matching tunic or outer garment and the right accessories, you’ll be kitted out for medieval markets, military camps and LARP conventions. Browse through our range and put together your outfit layer by layer.
Frequently asked questions
The underskirt is the close-fitting base layer with long sleeves – it is worn directly against the skin and serves as the foundation for every subsequent layer. The strappy dress is a sleeveless top that is pulled over the underskirt and is typical of the Viking style. An overskirt has sleeves and is more typical of the High Middle Ages or Late Middle Ages. All three garments can be combined in a modular way and added to gradually.
The Haithabu over-dress or the Frida sleeveless top in cotton are the most affordable entry-level options at around 25 euros and also work on their own as a complete, simple outfit. If you want to build a layered outfit straight away, combine one of these pieces with the Freya under-dress – this already makes for a stage-ready outfit for a total investment of around 67 euros.
Both natural fibres are significantly superior to synthetic fabrics when worn for long periods, as they actively regulate body temperature and do not cling to the skin. Cotton is lighter and is well suited to the warmer months. Wool (e.g. the Jodis strappy dress) keeps you warmer, retains its shape better and is more suitable for autumn and winter events as well as military camps involving overnight stays.
Medieval cuts differ from modern ready-to-wear sizes. The most reliable method is to compare the size chart in the relevant product description with your own body measurements (bust, waist, hips, body length). When in doubt, we recommend choosing the smaller size for an underskirt and the larger size for a strappy dress or overskirt. If you are unsure, please contact us by phone for advice.
Historically, a Viking strap dress features two shoulder brooches to fasten the straps – Viking oval brooches or simple ring brooches are the most suitable choice. This is complemented by a narrow belt that cinches the underskirt at the waist and serves as a strap for bags and pouches. Suitable footwear (Viking lace-up shoes or soft leather slippers) completes the look.