Table of Contents:
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The Basics:
Below are the basic rules of Themblise fashion, from the types of cloth to the rarity of tattoos.
Materials
The vast majority of Themblise clothing is made out of cotton, linen, or wool. The very wealthy are able to afford the small amounts of silk that it imported from other provinces, which is incredibly expensive. It is important to understand that although not all Themblise wear clothing (nudity is acceptable, no matter the specie), many creatures love to wear clothing suited to their specie as an accessory, statement, or practical use. In general, clothing tends to be white, or bright colors such as sky blue, bright orange, saffron red, mustard yellow, and moss green. Purple dye is incredibly expensive, so that is typically a color reserved for merchants and the kingdoms’ courts. Gender differences in clothing are practically unheard of, as male and female creatures are seen as equal. With humans, both men and women may wear pants, and men can wear kilts (although not common) and women may wear skirts (also not as common). Dresses for women and robes for men are much more popular than skirts.
Patterns
Themblise admire patterns. More embroidery one has on one’s clothing, more wealthy they are. In general, Themblise wear solid colors (especially white or pastel linen) with cuts and borders of brighter and embroidered colors. The design of the clothing is simple, often with little triangular cuts at the hems. The plain design allows embroidery to show off its full pattern, and also allows for drapery, such as shawls and scarves, to stand out with their folds. Little tassels offer a splash of fun, as well as colorful buttons and flashing beads. Practicality is emphasized, even among the wealthy, so clothing is always easy to move in and made to be comfortable.
Accessories
Accessories are more popular than clothing for some species. Tight-fitting, colorful bracelets are popular, as well as long necklaces. Themblise do not wear collar-style necklaces, as that is seen as something that should only be worn by mundane animals. Jewelry worn on the head, horns, tails, and occasionally wings are generally only seen among the wealthy. Jewelry is typically made out of tightly woven ribbon or twine with painted wooden beads or glass beads, or, more rarely, out of copper or pewter. Only the most wealthy can afford gold. Earrings can be seen on any creature with ears, and are typically small and elegant, and are typically limited to one to three ear piercings. Other piercings are extremely rare, to the point of being practically unheard of. Rings are incredibly uncommon, as most creatures do not have fingers.
Hair decor and braids are common and seen as a quick way to add a splash of color to one’s life, while also removing the hair out of the way for activities.
Hairstyles
Due to the wide range of species, there is generally no fashionable way to wear one’s hair, since many species don’t have any. Horses tend to prefer their manes and tails long and full, although horses who have a very physical job may chose to have a shorter haircut to prevent tangles or caught hair. Among humans, women wear their hair long, and rarely shorter than the jawline. Bob cuts are almost never seen, except for in the military, where they are much more popular. Men typically wear their hair short, although if it is grown out long, it is typically tied back in a ponytail. There is no form of fashionable facial hair, and any style is acceptable. However, due to the high temperatures, beards are not popular, especially in the summertime.
Tattoos
Tattoos are not worn except for by Raviekan priests, and theirs are merely stain, and not injected into the skin (as many Themblise have fur or scales that do not show tattoos). A foreigner with a tattoo is something alien, both fascinating and frightening.
Glasses
Glasses have not been invented yet. The closest technology that currently exists are a large glass orb, similar to a frame-less magnifying glass, is placed upon the parchment or book that is being viewed. Most, like the far-sighted Rose, simply deal with what sight they have. Those who suffer from a severe visual disability may use a cane, if able, or, like horses and such, hire a child or servant to help them.
Horseshoes
Most horses chose to be barefoot and go without horseshoes. However, for those with thinner hoof walls may experience cracks and discomfort, and chose to have bronze horseshoes to prevent this. Horses can other hooves creatures, such as cows and goats, may chose to have their hooves trimmed every few weeks to prevent overgrown hooves and encourage correct hoof shape.
Charms and Clothing
Charms are embroidered or even painted onto clothing. Some charms are made out of wood or stones, and are sewn like buttons onto articles of clothing. Charms can help make clothing water resistant, fire resistant, even smell or sweat resistant. They can be used to protect clothing from damage or stains, and even encourage fleas, ticks, and flies to find other hosts. Generally, charms are seen as an excellent investment to increase the longevity of clothing. They are typically hidden inside of embroidered patterns and designs, or placed near the hem of an article of clothing.
Styles
Below are the different styles wear for several different types of creatures, that are commonly seen on those of low economical status, merchants, and the court and monarchs. Eventually, there will be illustrations.
Undergarments
Undergarments are not popular, as for many creatures, they are seen as unnecessary. Linen or wool garments may be placed underneath items of clothing to prevent shifting or rubbing, or prevent outer clothing from being soiled by sweat. They also may provide additional warmth. In the case of humans, small linen briefs or shorts with a drawstring waistband are worn to prevent outer clothing from being soiled, as well as used as swimwear. Sometimes a light undershirt is worn by men or women for further protection against perspiration. Women do not wear any undergarments to shape or conceal their breasts, although large breasted women may chose to wear a tight undershirt or bind their breasts to ensure less movement and provide back support while working.
Spring Wear
Spring can be a shifting time between warm weather and late rain showers. As such, Themblise chose to wear layered clothing that can be used for both the fall and the spring. A warm, light coat or vest is often worn over a thinner under layer that can be worn separately. Scarves and legs wraps can be a bright splash of color and extra warmth. For humans, water resistant boots and flats are worn.
Summer Wear
Themblise weather is very hot in the summertime, often reaching 90-150 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2-65.6 degrees Celsius) midday. As such, the vast majority of creatures chose to go naked during the summer months, or wear minimal clothing or accessories. For humans, going completely naked often leads to sunburn, and gives opportunity for injury while working. Therefore, light clothing is generally worn. These are the months of linen and cotton. Linen shirts and tunics are worn by humans, with light skirts or cotton capri pants or knee-length shorts. It is common for the shirt or tunic to be white or a pastel color like light blue, while the pants are brightly colored or patterned. Women may chose to wear dresses that typically reach the top of the knees, while men may chose to wear robes or long tunics with a belt. Broad straw hats are popular among both men and women, while sandals are worn on the feet. Adapted straw hats with hanging twine or ribbons is often used by horses, cows, and other creatures who suffer from flies. This allows them to discourage flies from their faces, while also reducing sun in their eyes. It also saves money from purchasing a charm to discourage flies!
Swim Wear
Most creatures tend to swim nude, and some wear wide-brimmed straw hats to protect the eyes against the sun. In the case of humans, many chose to wear underwear bottoms while swimming at beaches to prevent sand from traveling into uncomfortable areas. Sometimes short skirts are worn over the bottoms to add a little bit of a fashion statement. Some humans chose to wear light linen tops and wide-brimmed hats to protect against sunburn. Humans also may chose to wear sandals to protect their feet from sharp rocks.
Fall Wear
Spring and fall wear tends to be the same, as not all creatures can afford a wardrobe for each season. Themblise weather tends to be alike for the spring and fall, and as such, clothing is reused. Fall clothing, like spring, involves a warmer layer over a lighter layer, along with the added bonus of scarves, hats, or leg wraps. There is often still plenty of flies during the end of summer/beginning of fall, so creatures like horses and cows may still wear their straw hats with hanging twine to discourage flies from gathering around their eyes.
Winter Wear
Wool is the comfort of winter. Themblise often wear layers to use the same piece of clothing during different seasons, and winter is no exception. Winter styles use spring and fall clothing in combination with a heavy wool coat or vest to increase warmth, and add on thick hats, scarves, leg wraps, and socks for extra heat retention. Winter wear tends to be duller in color and pattern, as Themblise are loath to have good clothing ruined by rain and mud, but inner layers are often made up of the brighter colors of spring and fall, and can give a hint of color. High-collared clothing among humans, canines, felines, theriomorphics, and other creatures is popular in the winter, although can be seen during other parts of the year. Humans wear their heavy, water resistant boots worn also in the spring and fall during the winter, with thick wool socks.
Sleep Wear
Most creatures sleep nude, humans included. However, a creature may chose to sleep in their undergarments, if they find it more comfortable. Humans tend to wear underwear to bed, although some chose not to. In the winter months, wearing a coat (called a horsecoat if worn by an equine or a dogcoat if worn by a canine, etc.) or a tunic (in the case of a human) to bed may be a comfortable decision for added warmth.
Festival and Formal Attire
For most creatures, their festival wear is also the fanciest outfit they own, due to their limited budget. Festival outfits are a riot of color and pattern, and often involve flowing scarves and shawls and other draperies. During the winter, these outfits involve many layers to keep one warm. These outfits are a chance for creatures to show off their wealth and social status. It should be noted that festival and formal outfits are also very practical, and therefore easy to move around in (especially for dancing) and are fairly comfortable.
Marriage Attire
For some, their festival wear is their wedding attire. In Themble, there is no fashionable color choice to wear when one gets married. Instead, it is popular to match or accent the seasonal colors around oneself. For instance, if one gets married in the fall under the trees, yellow or rust orange may be good choices. Coastal marriage in the summer? White and pastel blue are an option. This is to symbolize how you are one with the environment and the world around you, and are apart of their deity Ravieka. Marriage attire is, however, heavily embroidered, and often decorated with charms that symbolize growth, protection, and other positive messages. During a wedding, both the bride and groom go without shoes to become closer to nature.
Funeral Attire
Funerals are both a time of mourning and a time of celebration. Funeral attire is typically white, cream, grey, brown, or black with a bright accent of red or orange. Some creatures will only wear the red or orange in the form of a scarf or vest, using their own natural colors to add to the earthy theme. As Themblise cremate their dead, the colors symbolize the ashes and the brilliant glow of the fire. Funeral attire is unusually plain, with few or no patterns or embroidery, besides the occasional charm.
Priest Uniform
Raviekan priests wear the colors of the earth: shades of cream and brown, to dark russet reds and grey-blues, depending on the season. These are simple tunics and robes, with no embroidery or pattern except charms that protect the clothing from damage. A plain braided belt of leather or rope may be used, as well as sunhats, for practicality purposes only. The only accessory priests wear are the stained tattoos on their forehead and neck that symbolize their lifelong commitment to Ravieka. For humans, sandals or boots may be worn to protect the feet.
Military Uniform
The vast majority of Themblise cannot wear iron directly, as it burns them over time. As such, Themblise armor is typically made out of thick molded or scaled leather placed on top of a light tunic to prevent rubbing. For those of higher rank or wealth, chainmail may sit over the light tunic instead, or even a full set of iron armor (very rare). Armor is enhanced and warded with charms that protect the wearer from damage and attack, as well as keep the armor in good condition. Horses in the military typically wear horseshoes. Humans typically wear sandals in the spring, summer, and fall, and boots and leggings in the winter.
Mundane Animals
Mundane animals can usually tolerate iron for long periods of time without getting burned, as most mundane animals have no magical ability. Therefore the usual precautions of placing buckles on top of leather or other methods are not needed. For the mundane horse, bits can be made out of iron or bronze, although bronze horseshoes are still much more popular due to their easy accessibility in the marketplace. Mundane tack is often colorful and patterned, with carved leather ornamentation and wide embroidered collars, due to mundanes almost entirely being owned by the wealthy. For the poor, it is often a sore point that the mundane are better dressed than they are.
Upkeep
Below the care and keeping of clothing is described.
Storage
Themblise typically store their clothing in a large chest or chests. These chests are often warded against water, fire, and smoke damage, as well as from moths, fleas, and other unwanted visitors. Springs of rosemary and lavender are placed inside to make the clothing smell fresh.
Care
The washing of clothing is something that occurs every few weeks. The clothing is typically taken down to the nearest body of fresh water, preferably a creek or river. There it is scrubbed without soap (which is expensive) on a wooden board and beaten with a washing bat, which is little more than a refined stick. In the cities, clothing is sometimes taken to a special place, often adjacent to or attached to a bathhouse, to be washed. On rare occasion, white and off-white linens are soaked in lye (made primarily of ashes and urine) and hot water to clean and bleach the cloth. Urine is also used as a stain-remover. All clothing is dried outside, especially the lye-soaked whites, where the sun can further bleach the clothing. The wealthy will often hire someone to wash their clothing for them, and may be able to afford more frequent washing, or more clothing.
Clothing is patched as often as possible for most creatures, who cannot afford frivolous spending like on extra clothing. Charms are especially taken care of, and carefully re-embroidered over the old pattern to make sure that the charm remains active. Placing new magic into a weak charm is needed every week to months, depending on the charm.