A "just right" doublet

[Eric the Ugly]

Izzit just me or do other guys experience the same extreme frustration finding a doublet that's just right? I don't mean pertaining to fit either. I mean, whatever it is that to you would make it well worth the money and no buyer's remorse and comfort.

I live in Georgia and it can get pretty dang warm during GARF here. Finding something that fits and looks good and is comfortable to wear and doesn't leave you near death because of heat has seemed a nigh impossible task.

Ordering a custom-made doublet drives me batty because of all the measuring and back-and-forth involved. I did it once and I'll probably not do so again. The resultant doublet is great, except that (through my own misunderstanding) it's a bit long. I've had to order a pouch I didn't need that hung low so this doublet wouldn't be over the pouch on my belt. (I don't wear it buttoned, thus I don't wear the belt over it.)

Most of the 'off-the-rack' doublets are over-priced or too boring or too over-the-top and as a result too thick and hot or are any combination of those qualities.

I've spent years on this quest, with seemingly no end in sight. What's more, there's just not enough choice out there. There are probably thousands of folks and companies that make ren garb, but only a few score make doublets at all and even less than that make any that are worth considering. It's a very under-developed section of the ren garb market, it seems. Oh, and color choice. Don't get me started on that. If I have to see that a certain doublet comes in: "Black, blue, forest green, brown and maroon" again I'm gonna take hostages.

The ladies have it so good. There's a F'in' billion makers of bodices out there. We guys should be so lucky.

I've usually reverted to the few lightweight vests I have from Royal Family Clothiers and Purple Unicorn since they're at least lightweight and comfortable. But they're still a bit boring and they're certainly not real doublets.

Can't I just have something off the rack that isn't a mile thick and is an interesting color/pattern and comes in a nice variety of colors (or available colors) and that is preferably not lace-up? Is that too much to ask?

I don't guess I'm really asking for anything specific with this post/thread. Perhaps I'm just ranting. But, I'm sorry, it drives me crazy...

[Marietta Graziella]

Eric, good man, I have the perfect solution!

Learn to sew!  Yes!  You have a passion for this particular thing and with a little patience you could sew your own doublet to your specifications. 

I'm being neither sarcastic nor funny.   I'm serious.  Many a rennie started out at the same frustrated place as you.  Perhaps you will be the one to crack this market and give the silent sufferers their answer.

I do wish you good fortune in your hunt.

[Dinobabe]

I was going to say the exact same thing!  Many men on this forum sew and it's not as hard as some think.  I never cared for the off the rack bodices I saw at faire and so I sew my own!    It makes them much more unique and as you learn you can make little changes that are just right for you.  Good luck! 

[Eric the Ugly]

It is a valid answer to the problem, yes.

But that sort of activity isn't for me, unfortunately. In many things I'm patient. (In fact, one of my good friends once said in reference to me: "That man's as patient as a dead god!") But in other matters, patience is a mortal enemy. This would undoubtedly be one of those things. 

In short, I wish I could just throw up my hands and say: "Well, if no one else will... I will!" But I fear this is not to be insofar as doublets.
Most times, I just want to have something done and behind me and out of the scope of my worry. I'm the kind of guy that would far prefer to have food be small, tasteless little soapbar-sized blocks of sustinence, rather than "wasting my time" heating something in a microwave or worse, having to cook something. Even more important, I'd be done eating quicker so I could get back to something else that's actually enjoyable.
But I'm a loon like that.

[DonaCatalina]

The other alternative solution:


Marry a woman who will sew for you.


Most people who make their own garb got into for the reasons you outlined.
They wanted better quality, better fit,specific styles and reasonable cost for better materials.

[Eric the Ugly]

Heh heh! That may be an even better solution! Unfortunately for me, I think it would prove even more difficult than sewing.

[gem]

I'm with MG and Dinobabe.  The solution when you can't find what you want is to make it yourself.  Otherwise you'll just keep on being frustrated....

[VIII]

Check out the local fabric stores for a bulletin board and look for people who will sew for you.  Most of them are doing it as a way of keeping busy and will, more than likely, not charge you an arm and a leg.  Be sure to ask for examples of their work, either the clothing or photos.

Another good place is an Art or Fashion school.  Students will make it for you and Customer Satisfaction is a part of their grade.

Finally, ask around for family and friends with Mom's and Grandma's that sew as a hobby.

I'm one of those lucky guys who learned to sew at their Mama's knee on an old treadle Singer.  I even draft my own patterns.

[Eric the Ugly]

I s'pose I do need to find someone who knows how to sew well. It looks like that's the most sensible solution. *sigh*
Oh, if only Moresca understood how hot it gets here in GA. I love their stuff, especially the Landschect jerkin, but oh, boy is that baby thick as heck. I'm sure that would be hot, hot, hot.

[DonaCatalina]

I s'pose I do need to find someone who knows how to sew well. It looks like that's the most sensible solution. *sigh*
Oh, if only Moresca understood how hot it gets here in GA. I love their stuff, especially the Landschect jerkin, but oh, boy is that baby thick as heck. I'm sure that would be hot, hot, hot.

Why not give Lady Kathleen a try then. I'm sure she could do something in a jazzed up linen.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Thanks for the mention Dona Catalina.

Linen is a great solution to the heat of Georgia or a Cotton in the midweight range.

[Rani Zemirah]

You could always visit a few of the cooler weather Faires, also, where you would be nice and comfy in your thicker doublet! Garb is not a static thing, and everyone should have choices... particularly when it comes to things like laces...   

[DonaCatalina]

You may not can tell from this photo, but this doublet is linen. Linen doesn't have to be boring
or peasant garb.

[Eric the Ugly]

That's interesting. But I'd be concerned that the material would be a bit too...hmm...loose and lax...

I dig my linen sport coats and all, but I dunno.

I'd be a-ok with a nice cotton twill, really. 'Brushed' is what I believe they call the cotton twill that's really soft to the touch. Is that right? I like that material.
But I think my main source of irritation is wanting something I can just order size X and color n and be done. Only, while there are indeed options out there for that, they are always of the lace-up variety (understandable with the standard sizes, I know) and of very, very few color choices as well as having no 'character' to them (basic, solid colors with no guarding or trim, etc.).

[Rani Zemirah]

Eric, maybe you should look for some fabric you like, then ship it off to whichever seamstress you find to make it for you? I just ordered my new bodice from someone on here, and I can't wait! You'd have to find someone to help you take your measurements, but a little work for something you'll use for years isn't really too much trouble, right?