Fashion in Farin

From The Inquisition Legacy
Jump to: navigation, search
This page is in need of format revision; help us by editing.


Farin clothing is designed primarily with practicality in mind. The Kingdom's hottest duchy requires the appropriate clothing for its climate, which can at times be "skimpy" compared to the costumes of the northern duchies. That is not to say, however, that Lithmorran modesty has not influenced the Farin people, especially those of the upper classes. Married women are especially expected to maintain a high level of decency and remain covered even in the most sweltering weather. Yet even when covered head-to-toe, the Farin's clothing is always loose and light enough to allow for the free movement of air.


Basic Elements

Status: Small details mark the differences in rank between people in Farin, making it more difficult for the casual observer to tell a noble from a commoner. Sumptuous fabrics like silk are difficult to obtain, especially in the far south, so even nobility are most frequently clad in common cotton or linen. The easiest way to determine who is of the highest rank is to look for the one who is dressed in the most colorful clothing. All Farin favor bright colors, but only the richest can afford multicolored patterns in their garments or elaborate embroidery. Stripes and flower patterns are especially popular. The poorest can be found wearing undyed linen, and little of it, at that. Gold thread and jewelry is reserved for the nobility and high-ranking Knights. Members of the clergy, by great contrast to the ceremonious Lithmorrans, are often the most humbly dressed of all, and even a bishop would avoid wearing gold.

Colors: Warm-colored dyes are the easiest to obtain in the south, so most Farin clothing is dark red, pink, orange, or yellow, with the occasional splash of green. Black, white, or undyed fabric is also popular, particularly with the lower classes.

Jewelry: All Farin people, even peasants, adorn themselves with jewelry. The lower classes tend to wear wooden beads, plain or painted in bright colors, on necklaces, bracelets, or in their hair. Higher classes prefer ivory or precious stones. The most common stones are malachite, hematite, obsidian, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and jasper. Malachite and hematite are said to protect from witchcraft. Also, all Farin have some type of ear piercing, and frequently pierce the nose or navel as well. Metal armbands are popular when sleeveless.

Men's Clothing: The cut of Farin men's clothing is nearly identical no matter what social class the wearer comes from. Shirts are high-collared, long, and nearly formless. Their long sleeves billow out to give plenty of space for air to circulate, and are sometimes gathered at the wrist. A decorative vest may be worn over the shirt. For formal occasions, a slightly more fitted, high-collared coat will replace the shirt altogether. In the cooler winter months, ponchos or shawls are worn over their attire. In the hottest months, men are excused from wearing shirts, even in public, although the practice of going topless is considered low class. On their legs, Farin men universally wear puffy pantaloons. These skirt-like trousers can be either knee- or ankle-length, but whatever the case, they are never tight like Lithmorran leggings. To protect them from the sun, Farin men wear a variety of headgear. Higher classes tend to prefer stylishly colorful turbans or bandannas, while workers choose the more practical wide-brimmed straw hat.

Women's Clothing: Unmarried women, particularly those serving in the military, are socially permitted to dress themselves as men, or wear gowns and shirts which are sleeveless. Traditional Farin women's clothing, being considerably more cumbersome than men's clothing, is usually limited to wear by married women or women who are most interested in displaying their femininity, such as those seeking to soon be married. Many modern Farin women do not even wear gowns until the day of their En Passant. The proper woman wears a billowing, ankle-length, shapeless gown with a high collar and wide sleeves. In cooler months or on formal occasions, the gown is accompanied by layers of decorative shawls drooped over the shoulders. To complete this feminine outfit, a veil is worn over the hair. The veils can vary greatly in length, thickness, and style. The most modest woman would wear a veil which reaches her ankles and covers her entire face save her eyes, but this is hardly necessary by most standards.