06-21-2017, 03:15 AM
Despite the lure of shiny metalwork, for any type of re-enactment, soft kit is your most basic requirement. Therefore, you could start off with just the appropriate clothing and then gradually upgrade your impression as funds allowed until you reach the point you feel you want to get to.
That means, as you have already surmised, that you need a tunic and shoes as your first priority. You should then follow that up with trousers, or if you don't feel the need of trousers, leg bindings. In all probability you will probably want both, as well as a cloak. Add to that a hat and you will be fully equipped up to a basic level, which you could stop at or carry on further from.
For tunics, no matter what your body shape, you should think in terms of the garment being wide. Even late Romans liked their clothing to be quite roomy, although that did not always apply to the sleeves, some of which are surprisingly tight. Don't worry about being on the slim side - I have never been over 11 stone myself. The average Roman would not have been anything other than slim either, but that did not stop them habitually wearing clothing which seems ridiculously large to modern eyes. This means that if you want to look like a Roman (regardless of early, middle or late) you have to wear that same ridiculously large clothing and then get comfortable in it (which you will, surprisingly quickly).
The following link has some information of late tunics. Although the writer was specifically thinking of a mid third century impression, you will see that he actually takes his evidence mainly from later tunics. There is also a suitable pattern shown on the site.
http://www.rom.on.ca/en/blog/re-enactmen...-the-tunic
You could leave it free of decorations if you wanted, or if you were keen on developing a new skill, you could learn tapestry weaving and do the decorations yourself. Alternatively, some late Roman types here have demonstrated simple and convenient ways of faking up tunic decorations.
For trousers, I would go for a pair modelled on one of the pairs from Thorsburg. I daresay one of the late Roman re-enactors here on RAT should be able to provide you with a suitable pattern. They should be able to provide you too, with an appropriate pattern for a chlamys type cloak.
I am no expert on late Roman footwear, so I will leave that for better educated heads to advise on.
Crispvs
That means, as you have already surmised, that you need a tunic and shoes as your first priority. You should then follow that up with trousers, or if you don't feel the need of trousers, leg bindings. In all probability you will probably want both, as well as a cloak. Add to that a hat and you will be fully equipped up to a basic level, which you could stop at or carry on further from.
For tunics, no matter what your body shape, you should think in terms of the garment being wide. Even late Romans liked their clothing to be quite roomy, although that did not always apply to the sleeves, some of which are surprisingly tight. Don't worry about being on the slim side - I have never been over 11 stone myself. The average Roman would not have been anything other than slim either, but that did not stop them habitually wearing clothing which seems ridiculously large to modern eyes. This means that if you want to look like a Roman (regardless of early, middle or late) you have to wear that same ridiculously large clothing and then get comfortable in it (which you will, surprisingly quickly).
The following link has some information of late tunics. Although the writer was specifically thinking of a mid third century impression, you will see that he actually takes his evidence mainly from later tunics. There is also a suitable pattern shown on the site.
http://www.rom.on.ca/en/blog/re-enactmen...-the-tunic
You could leave it free of decorations if you wanted, or if you were keen on developing a new skill, you could learn tapestry weaving and do the decorations yourself. Alternatively, some late Roman types here have demonstrated simple and convenient ways of faking up tunic decorations.
For trousers, I would go for a pair modelled on one of the pairs from Thorsburg. I daresay one of the late Roman re-enactors here on RAT should be able to provide you with a suitable pattern. They should be able to provide you too, with an appropriate pattern for a chlamys type cloak.
I am no expert on late Roman footwear, so I will leave that for better educated heads to advise on.
Crispvs
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