Haradrim Costume

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DARKSIDECOSTUMES

haradrim

I created a storyline for my character: the armor style represents his clan, and is made within the family of native grown materials such as reed, bamboo and wood. Metal is scarce. Decoration is a mix of prized ivory ,local turquoise and what can be scavenged from fallen friend and foe. They are ruled by a mix of clan chieftans and religious shamans. There is a history of hating Gondor that goes back at least two Ages (gleaned from the HoME books)this is when they were corrupted by Sauron. While they are fierce and blood thirsty warriors they fear Sauron more than they worship him and hold the orcs in contempt.
I used this background as I wove the armor, edged it in handcut leather strips, made beads, a clan totem and a claw collar. I padded it and lined it where vital organs would need to be protected. I decorated it to show off my wealth, my battle prowess and my clan. I distressed the fabric-my dog was happy to play tug of war-dragged it over rock and concrete and rubbd ash into it. I stuck real arrows into the armor and repaired it, it also was distressed by paint, dirt and sandpaper. I wore the boots in mud and rain, brushed it off with a wire brush and left them outside to weather(inside protected with plastic)
I also made the costume my own by not copying any particular costume, more of a composite and adding things that seemed to fit the style.

This is how to make a "living costume" rather than a display piece and helps you play the part when you wear it.

Knowing where to begin can be intimidating when starting a complex costume, a simple method you can use is to break it down into layers. This is how I used it for the Haradrim costume.

I used research images from LOTR "Art of" "Weapons and Warfare"books and screencaps

Costume

Base layer (closest to skin): long sleeve dark t-shirts and somewhat baggy pants, worn, torn and dusty.

Second layer: short sleeve or sleeveless tunic, about knee length, black, brown or gray. textured open weave material. This layer does not show much so cotton or linen could be used. (always think about weight and heat, if it doesn't show much go for comfort and economy)

Over robe: sleeveless tunic, poncho or tabbard with wide variety of colors-dk. red or maroon for the Riders, Foot soldiers show purples, blues, gray and brown to beige. Noticable textured weave such as silk matka, linen or burlap. Edges frayed, not hemmed. (because the 1st layer tunic was not very noticable I opted to create the illusion of one by adding collar and sleeve inserts and sewing a ragged band around the bottom of the over robe in a contrasting color saving even more in weight, heat and cost)

Footwear

Riders wear black or brown knee high calvary style boots. Foot soldiers wear a wide variety of boots and construction type shoes
Headwear: dark color cotton , silk or linen turban style
wrap with face covering all but the eyes. Individualized with twined braids, cords and beads or other decor.

Armor and Weapons

Wide variety of styles but all incorporate a woven basket or
Rattan type material in natural colors of brown, beige, gold
and cream.

Vest A: worn by the Riders and of the most
uniform style. Wide armholes for ease of movement, snug
body fit and restrained decoration for close quarters and animal handling. They are secured by braided cord and leather ties. Weapon of choice is the short bow compatible for firing from great height on the back of a moving animal.

Vest B: worn by the foot soldiers, there is a wide variety of styles and materials although all use a woven base. Many have spikes and elaborate decoration, with the use of bamboo, bent twig and ivory. Some have puffed raised plates that may be painted leather.
Both styles show high collars or spikes to protect the neck.

Chest/Bib Armor: Some wear a bib piece that is semi-circular or diamond shaped, extending to cover the chest/shoulder /upper arm area. This is usually paired with a wide belt . Tremendous variation in design

Vambraces: almost all show some sort of wrist/lower arm protection made out of the same materials as the other armor. The Riders show woven close fitting bracers appropriate for archers. The Foot soldiers show greater variety from simple leather to ornate spikey and plated . Some appear to be scavenged from fallen friend and foe.

Wrappings: arms and legs are wrapped in strips of cloth. All materials are dusty, torn and frayed, consistent with a army on a long march. No other leg armor noted.

Weapons: Riders and Foot soldiers both have archers, Riders with short bows, Foot soldiers carry long bows, long spears and shorter throwing spears. No swords noted.