Dressing for the Field

Most of us non-fighters usually end up as spectators on the field. We don’t wear our finest, but we can wear long and flowing or heavy and jeweled because that is what our persona would do.

Doing service on the field, especially Waterbearing, requires a little fore thought before going out. Things to consider are:

• What is the weather like?
• What is the field like?
• What are the fighters like?
• What are the marshals like?
• Who is the Marshal in charge and how does he/she run the field?

All this can factor into how to dress.

Let’s consider the weather. For cold weather, warm layers should be considered. Layers can be take on and off depending on the situation. Wool, cotton, and linen should be considered because they breath to let our the perspiration, but stay warm in layers. For cold weather, dark colors should be considered. Dark absorbs whatever heat from the sunlight and every little bit counts.

For the warm weather, cool, flowing, natural fiber clothes work well. For going on the field when it is very hot, something to catch the wind is a good idea. It does, however, have to be something you can work in and get wet. But not that it is going to fall off the body with a sneeze.
Hats can be very useful. Besides keeping the sun and rain off your head and face, it can also be useful to fan yourself or others. You can also put a cool, damp cloth under that hat to keep yourself cool.

Suntan lotion, no matter how fair or how dark you are, is very valuable. But a lot of people don’t know how to use it properly. Please, read the label. Does it contain PABA, which some people are allergic to? What is the SPF factor on the bottle? SPF means Sun Protection Factor. If it says SPF 15, that means that you have 15 minutes before you have to reapply. It also might not be good if you sweat a lot. That cuts the SPF time. If you do, you might consider on that is for swimming.
It also can get into your eyes when you sweat. That does burn.

Closed toe shoes are to be worn on the field by everyone. This is for safety issues. When a fighter starts taking off his/ her armor, sometimes they don’t watch what they are doing and armor bits fly. Closed toe shoes give you some type of protection. They also give you protection from sticks and grasses on the field. Most Marshals, if they see you with sandals on the field, may ask you to leave until you get closed toe shoes or boots.

Working clothes are fine. Working in very tight clothes that you can’t breath in or so loose that you are falling out is not appropriate on the field. You want clothes to be functional as well as comfortable, not to pick up fighters on the field.

It’s all being aware of your surroundings and your environment. It’s also about having fun.

In Service
Lady Danae of Athens
East Kingdom Waterbearer

Last modified: October 1, 2004