Rilanga Fashion during the Final War

Table of Contents
The clothes commonly worn by Rilanga citizens between the years 8 NZR and 0 VZR.

History

During the Final War

In the early years of the Final War, bright colors were common for shirts and accessories. However, as supply chains were interrupted and production priorities shifted, dyes became far more expensive. Clothes bought during the second half of the war were generally more subdued than older ones, and bright colors were mostly reserved for formal wear.   Similar trends were seen in jewelry and young people's makeup. Both were commonplace around the year 8 NZR, but eventually declined in quality and came to be reserved for special occasions. Instead of precious metals and gemstones, people turned to wearing jewelry of iron wire, glass and insect carapaces. Make-up was used very sparingly and often saved for social gatherings.

After the Final War

Following the near-extinction of their species, people were forced to take good care of their clothes because it was almost impossible to replace them. The distinction between formal and casual clothes was increasingly blurred due to the lack of choice, and those items which were beyond repair were used to patch up others.   Jewelry, make-up or particularly beautiful fabrics became a luxury. Sometimes, they were traded away for more essential supplies, but due to their lack of practical value, there was little demand for them.

Components and tools

Overall Appearance

The Rilanga prided themselves on their intelligence and civilization. Consequently, their fashion drew attention towards the head while distracting from the abdomen where the cloaca was located.   Most of the body was covered, even inside buildings where exposure to the elements was not an issue. Showing too much bare skin was considered indecent and primitive, reminiscent of animals. The notable exception to this rule were the neck and head, mostly for practical reasons.   Colors were generally more muted on the legs, lower arms and the front of the torso. Symmetry and clear geometric shapes were favored.

Underwear

Belt
The main piece of underwear was the kegmug, a broad belt of fabric which was wrapped around the waist and hips to cover the cloaka. To keep it from sliding up to the waist, it was secured in place by two straps running between the tail and either leg. Those could be unhooked on the front side if necessary.
Socks
A pair of toed stockings was worn inside shoes. These so-called asu reached up to the ankle joint and were often fastened around the heel.
Undershirt
Hudobed, literally "small clothing", was mainly worn during the winter months. It was a thin, sleeveless shirt which covered the upper torso to provide additional warmth.

Regular Clothing

Pants
The thighs, calves and tail were covered by long pants. While the tail part was sewn as a tube, the fabric for the legs was designed to overlap and be buttoned in a line along the outer side of the respective leg. For informal wear, a small pocket was often sitting on the front of the thigh at a safe distance from the hip joint.
Shirt
The hemline of the shirt was typically a few fingers below the ribcage, enough to overlap with the pants but not so low that it would draw attention to the belly. Its sleeves reached down to the elbow joint, with minimal cut-outs on the shoulders to avoid impeding the movement of the feathers. The torso part was buttoned below the arms on either side.   The shirt's collar usually reached up the neck for the width of a few fingers. To accomodate the large skull, it was designed to be buttoned in front and in two rows along the collarbones.
Vest
In colder weather, a short vest was often worn over the upper two thirds of the torso. It was usually closed with buttons in the front.
Shoes
People wore a variety of shoes to match the weather and occasion. During the extreme weather of the Heat Season, they usually wore thin boots against the torrential rain. During the Frost Season, they wore boots lined with thick insulating material, and during the transitional seasons, low-cut shoes were preferred. Inside homes, light fabric shoes were the norm.

Acessories

Headwrap
One popular accessory during that era was a strip of fabric wrapped around the head, called sapilmipis or simply sapil. It ran behind the head's feather crest and was fastened with a button below the jaw. It was often the most eye-catching piece of apparel, sporting bright colors and elaborate patterns.
Jewelry
Rings, bracelets and necklaces were common. They were worn symmetrically and their material usually depended on the wealth and status of the wearer.
Cosmetics
Unmarried adults of either gender tended to wear make-up on the eyelids and the sides of the neck, but for other groups this was considered inappropriate.
Type
Dresscode
Related Ethnicities
Related Items
Rilanga Headwrap
Rilanga Undershirt
Rilanga Underbelt


Cover image: by Kathrin Janowski

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