LARP kit for beginners doesn’t need to be expensive. You can play your first event in simple clothes and borrowed gear, then build a costume you love over time. This guide covers what to buy first, what to borrow, and what to leave until you know what you enjoy.
I remember my very first costume; it was a hand-me-down from another player: a blue tabard and a belt, with normal clothes underneath. Later on I was able to buy chainmail and more.
In this guide
Before you buy anything
Ask your game what they can lend. Many UK systems have loaner kits for newcomers, and crew is usually given a costume. Also check the game’s look and feel guide. Some games are strict about the style of each nation or faction, so buying the wrong colours or era is the most common beginner mistake.
LARP kit for beginners: the basics
For a typical fantasy game, these basics will see you through your first few events:
- A tunic or loose shirt in a natural colour such as brown, green, cream or dark red. Linen and cotton breathe better than polyester.
- Plain dark trousers, ideally without visible pockets or logos. Loose cotton trousers or simple breeches work well.
- A wide belt to hold a pouch, a water bottle or a sword frog.
- A cloak or blanket wrap for cold evenings, which also hides modern layers underneath.
- Boots you can walk and run in. Plain black or brown walking boots are fine to start with.
- A pouch or bag for your character’s coins and items, plus your phone and keys (OOC).
Heroquest has a helpful page on LARP clothing that shows what a simple fantasy look can be built from.
The first time I really felt like my character was when I purchased chainmail armour; it was heavy and cumbersome, but I felt like a million dollars. It was hard to get on and off, and I also purchased a foam shield to match my character’s style.
Your first LARP weapon
If your character fights, one weapon is enough to start. Buy a proper LARP weapon from an established maker rather than a toy or a cosplay prop, because it has to pass the game’s safety check. A one-handed sword around 36 to 42 inches long is the usual first choice. Check your game’s rules on length and type before buying, and ask whether you can borrow one first.
What to leave until later
- Armour. It is heavy, expensive and often changes how your character works in the rules. Play a few events first.
- Lots of weapons. One good weapon beats three cheap ones.
- Prosthetics and elaborate make-up. Fun, but fiddly at a field event. Learn the basics first.
- Anything faction-specific. Wait until you have chosen your group and seen what they wear.
Budget tips
Charity shops are the secret weapon of LARP kit for beginners. They are excellent for linen shirts, wool jumpers, leather belts and plain trousers. Remove logos, dye things in earthy colours, and wear modern thermals underneath for warmth. Many players sell kit second hand through game Facebook groups, which is a good way to get quality items cheaply.
Some of my best finds have been visiting charity shops and not looking for a finished item, but an item you can purchase and turn into something.
For example, a woman’s fur coat in a charity shop. The shop assistant asked if it was for my girlfriend; I said, ‘No, I was going to wear it.’ The assistant did not know what to say. But I took it home, cut the sleeves off and turned it into a fur tabard.
Looking after your kit
Dry everything properly after a wet weekend, check latex weapons for cracks and store them away from heat, and give leather a little care now and then. Good kit lasts for years.
Ready to go?
Once you have the basics, pick a game from the UK LARP systems directory and read our guide to your first LARP event. Still getting your head round the hobby? Our guide to what is LARP? covers the basics.
As with all things in life, if you never go out of your comfort zone, then you will never find things that you may enjoy. LARP is not for everyone, but I would heartily recommend that everybody try it.