For clothing and accessories made of fabric, we use a variety of materials: absorbent cotton in three different weaves, as well as warm wool.
We use cotton in various weaves. Light cotton is used for blouses, shirts, and undershirts. It feels comfortable against the skin, absorbs moisture, and is therefore ideal for undergarments. We use the sturdier “canvas” weave for items that are subject to heavier wear and tear. Outer garments such as pants, tunics, and coats, as well as bags, quivers, and gambesons, are made from this versatile material. The third weave is standard cotton. It is similar to “canvas,” but finer cotton fibers are used here. The fabric is woven slightly more densely, making it softer yet still very durable. Some high-quality outer garments are made from this fine fabric.
The wool we use is composed of 50% wool, 30% polyester, and 20% viscose. Blends of wool and synthetic fibers are tried-and-true combinations, as they reduce the tendency of wool to felt. Furthermore, care properties are improved. The addition of synthetic fibers results in lower abrasion, reduces the tendency to pill (the formation of small fiber balls), and increases the durability of the suit components. Viscose in particular—a so-called “natural synthetic fiber” made from cellulose—makes the wool softer and significantly increases comfort. The well-known “itchiness” of wool against the skin is reduced. We use this fabric to make outerwear and coats. It is water-repellent and can even provide warmth when damp.
Combining different fabrics is often more than just a matter of costume design. Each of our fabrics has properties that make it ideal for a specific type of clothing. When combined, they create an outfit that—like modern functional clothing—is well-suited for outdoor use. The first layer against the skin should be made of lightweight cotton or linen. It wicks away sweat as well as body heat. This should be followed by a layer of “canvas” or “premium cotton,” which is durable yet breathable. On top of that, a layer of wool—such as a coat—provides the necessary warmth and protects against wind and light rain. Depending on the character’s social status, “damask” garments can also create a great look. This way, you can even enjoy events in bad weather without freezing or longing to be back on your sofa at home.
Especially with our “Canvas” outerwear, we place great importance on an authentic, rugged character and a pleasant feel. For this reason, the fabric is processed to be slightly coarser than is customary in the textile industry. This may result in woven-in fibers or slight “weaving imperfections,” but these are actually desirable in this context.
As a general rule, we recommend hand-washing all our textiles in cold water. Under no circumstances should they be dried in a dryer. Damask fabrics, multicolored costume pieces, or costume pieces with trim should be taken to a dry cleaner if necessary, as there is a risk that the fabrics may bleed onto one another. We advise against bleaching our textiles. Ironing is possible, but only at a low temperature. Our colors are not UV-resistant, so they will fade over time. If costume pieces are exposed to strong sunlight for an extended period, this process may accelerate. If the fabric is exposed to uneven or prolonged sunlight (e.g., in the summer, hanging on a clothesline in direct sunlight among other garments), uneven coloring, such as spots or streaks, may occur.
Leather
We use this leather in most of our armor, many accessories, shoes, and bags. It is soft and supple, yet sturdy enough for high-quality armor. The leather used in “Fucina Del Drago” products is additionally hardened. We ensure this raw material is of high quality; however, as with any natural product, there may be irregularities in the surface and color. These imperfections are what give the material the vibrant, natural look we want for our products. The top grain leather is dyed throughout, so it retains its color even if the surface is scratched.
Split leather is tanned leather made from the middle layer of bovine hide. The surface of the leather is sealed using mechanical pressure and a special dye. Split leather is an affordable option for armor and leather goods that need to be durable yet inexpensive. We carry several lines in our product range that are made entirely from this material. This allows us to offer items such as armor, sword scabbards, belts, belt loops, and even some arm and leg guards at a truly affordable price.
Strictly speaking, our suede is actually velour leather, since it comes from domesticated cattle. It is the inner layer of the cowhide. This material is primarily used in clothing and accessories. Some special types of armor and gambesons are also made of suede.
Leather armor can be combined very well with chainmail armor. Depending on your preference, individual models can be worn with or without sleeves or a skirt. Shoulder plates can be easily attached to some torso armor pieces. For detailed information, please refer to the product descriptions or contact our support team.
The split-leather armor pieces are sanded and sealed along the edges. Otherwise, hard and sharp leather edges could easily scratch the skin. Many of our armor pieces are fully edged with suede. This looks good, protects the leather edges from fraying, and protects the wearer’s skin from scratches.
Since leather is a natural product, there may always be some variation in color. As a result, the same product may be available in several shades that differ slightly from one another. This is particularly important to keep in mind when purchasing additional armor pieces. In addition, we recommend that you wipe down your newly purchased leather product with a paper towel BEFORE wearing it for the first time to remove excess grease and dye and thus prevent it from staining your clothing.
Leather grease is suitable for maintenance; for particularly hard-to-reach areas and buckles, you can also use Ballistol from a spray can. You can brush suede dry and make it more weather-resistant with a standard waterproofing agent.
If the leather is heavily soiled, remove the dried-on dirt with a damp cloth. Let the leather dry, then condition it. If stored for a long time in a humid environment, leather can develop mold. You can easily remove this with a sponge and soap; let the leather dry afterward and then condition it thoroughly again. For advanced mold growth, we recommend using saddle soap. This penetrates deep into the leather and cleans it effectively. The soap is available at equestrian specialty stores. Well-maintained leather items will last you a long time. We recommend cleaning them after each use and rubbing them LIGHTLY with leather conditioner. Excessive use of leather conditioner clogs the pores of the leather and can permanently reduce its breathability.
