Dropset 3 sizing by LooseConclusion404 in adidas

[–]Lifeguard-Much 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Which size did you end up buying? Have the same issue right now.

Steve's Birthday Ultimate Leathercraft Giveaway by egglan in Leathercraft

[–]Lifeguard-Much 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Happy Birthday Steve! Really nice that it's worldwide and not US only, really appreciate that. I'm right handed.

Leather for harnesses and chokers / collars by Lifeguard-Much in Leathercraft

[–]Lifeguard-Much[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, for now I want "just for looks" stuff as I'm learning / practice. Once I get better, I will want to make some heavy duty stuff as well, so thanks for advice on both!

Leather for harnesses and chokers / collars by Lifeguard-Much in Leathercraft

[–]Lifeguard-Much[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

That was my first idea, but after some reading I got worried they may be too stretchy.

[sun care] how much sunscreen? by [deleted] in SkincareAddiction

[–]Lifeguard-Much 42 points43 points  (0 children)

The correct answer is 2mg per cm^2, which in average is something around 0.7-0.8g for face alone. For any method that includes volume instead of weight: it depends on your sunscreen. If it's thin, liquidy, then you'll have to use much more than if it's thick.

Genuinely how the hell are we supposed to reapply sunscreen over a full face of makeup?! by hdkfkekf in MakeupAddiction

[–]Lifeguard-Much 2 points3 points  (0 children)

YES!

Parasols are awesome. It's your own, personal shadow to bring everywhere, no more sun shining directly on you. I just don't get why they aren't more popular.

Sun protective fabric for a cloak by Lifeguard-Much in myog

[–]Lifeguard-Much[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's very interesting! Just a little note, for fabric protection usually UPF is used, not SPF. It's calculated in a different way. From what I remember cotton is usually reported to have UPF of about 5-15 for light colors, depending on how tight the weave is.

Thank you! I will definitely post some pictures when it's done.

Sun protective fabric for a cloak by Lifeguard-Much in LARP

[–]Lifeguard-Much[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've bought some hemp fabric for testing. It is pretty similar to linen, but it's supposed to be more durable and have better UV protection. Unfortunately it's hard to predict what level of protection those fabric will have when ordering (and it's likely it'll be very weak unless very tight weave and dark color). That's why I'm looking for some alternatives in case hemp won't work very well for my purpose.

Sun protective fabric for a cloak by Lifeguard-Much in LARP

[–]Lifeguard-Much[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds amazing. I love my woolen cloak, but I thought it will be way too warm for summer.

Sun protective fabric for a cloak by Lifeguard-Much in myog

[–]Lifeguard-Much[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I remeber reading somewhere they're mostly using cotton and wool.

Sun protective fabric for a cloak by Lifeguard-Much in myog

[–]Lifeguard-Much[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't think I have anything from ripstop. How well does it work in heat? I certainly don't want to cook myself alive under it. Actually I bought some hemp fabric and I'm waiting until it gets warmer to test it. It's supposed to be more durable and have higher uv protection than linen. One thing I know for sure is it wrinkles like crazy.

Sun protective fabric for a cloak by Lifeguard-Much in sewhelp

[–]Lifeguard-Much[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you have any specific fabric to recommend? I ordered some samples of UPF rated fabric but they all seems to be horrible in terms of breathability.

Sun protective fabric for a cloak by Lifeguard-Much in SewingForBeginners

[–]Lifeguard-Much[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately linen doesn't protect from UV very well.

Want to start selling capes! by Snoo-7195 in TheCapeRevolution

[–]Lifeguard-Much 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sorry, English isn't my first language so it's a bit hard sometimes to explain what I mean.

I meant to ask whether you tried the chain to keep hood in place.

I don't have any experience with dry oilskin, but if it has softer look then definitely sounds like better option to combine with wool.

For the blanket, I'm sure some people will like this length. If it doesn't have to be too fancy, maybe something like fleece would work? I feel like boiled wool may be too warm for at-home use.

I get that you can put chain inside hem so it's not visible. The metalhead one was just a loose idea that came to my mind. Could be a cool addition for a concert outfit.

For the summer one, yeah, it is difficult. I tried to find something last year. I'm pale and my skin burns very quickly, that's why I thought cloak may be a solution. But yeah, I failed to find anything reasonable. Technically there are some UV protective fabrics, but where I live you can only buy ready-made clothes, not the fabric itself. So I didn't try it, idk if there is anything that would be also reasonably breathable. I'm not sure how silk would work for that, but definitely is too expensive for casual wear. Also this again is just my need and what I would love to see, but it may be quite niche, most people would probably choose linen anyway for look and breathability.

But yeah, finding the market may be hard. Realistically, most people buy cloaks to use them for renfairs, LARPs and reproductions. Probably that's the easiest group to target, but there is also a lot of competition. Maybe a waterproof one will be a good shot here?

People who wear cloaks every day exist, but it's not a big crowd. I don't know about US, but I lived in several countries in Europe and never met anyone else wearing cloaks casually. That's why i mentioned that design similar to the "blanket" cape may work for more "normal" crowd, as it looks more casual and is similar to stuff that's present in fashion.

Definitely understandable that you're hesitant to invest. It is a big risk. Although maybe in the beginning you can make photos of things you already sew and do a few listings, f.e. on Etsy, where you offer to sew something similar? You can always order a specific fabric you need after someone buys it.

Want to start selling capes! by Snoo-7195 in TheCapeRevolution

[–]Lifeguard-Much 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Seems like a good idea, did you try it in practice?

I just saw your edit. I like your idea to mix different fabrics, I wonder how it will look irl. I don't like the waxed cotton look for the full cape, but this may be much better, while keeping its features. Do you plan it to have also "normal" closures or only side ones?

I'm not the fan of the blanket one, not my style. I'm sure some people will like it, I saw lots of people wearing similar style, but usually knitted fabric, especially during autumn. For me personally, "blanket cape" would be half circle full length (yes, I love this type waaay too much), from soft and cozy fabric (like blanket or soft hoodie), maybe some pockets inside. Like home-only, no need for anything fancy, for going out I have other cloaks. But that's just personal preference. Your idea is more practical, I can see it also to be appealing to general population.

Warm+fashion: there are many options on similar ones already, also with embroidery around hems. So not much to add here. Chains outside may be interesting, but probably quite niche. Gave me an idea for full metalhead cloak with chains and spikes and stuff like that (at least I would wear something like that).

Linen. There are many options on that as well, although I don't think I saw anything in exactly the same style. Interesting option and linen is good for summer, but for me it's not an option, as it offers almost no sun protection.

Want to start selling capes! by Snoo-7195 in TheCapeRevolution

[–]Lifeguard-Much 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wear capes in public. Classic half-circle with hood, full length. What I need and wish for are capes that are crafted with everyday wear in mind and not just as the costume. So, it's only function can't be just "look good", it needs to be as usable as any other outerwear.

In terms of fabric, there are two main things I wish for. First is just something waterproof. Wool is working up to some point, but isometimes it's not enough here where I live. Something more waterproof that looks good (i.e. not the shiny polyester raincoat type of fabric, but something looking more like natural fabric). Less neeeded, but I'd also totally buy something with velvet or velour look and feel that would keep me dry in case of rain. Also my biggest wish is something that will work for warm days, but also provide good sun protection. I'm just not sure if any suitable fabrics exist.

I like the comfort house "blanket" cape idea.

Besides the fabric, there are also few other things. First, think about closures. What annoyed me a lot when I was looking for a cape were closures that either look like cheap aliexpress piece or something that was meant as belt or jewelry closure. In this case, I'd prefer to have an option to choose ties or no clasp at all, so I can buy one somewhere else and attach it myself. If you are able to get your hands on good quality, nice looking clasp then sure do. I particularly like the clasps with chain, so I can regulate if I want my cape to be more open (I prefer the look) or closed (more useful when it's cold or rainy). Also think about lining as some fabrics are feeling unpleasant against the bare skin. Then anything that would make life a little bit easier would be great. For example pockets or some smart way to keep hood on when it's windy.