The clothing traditions of Caorran offer a rich tapestry of practicality and symbolism, reflecting the diverse roles and statuses of its people. From humble peasants to the resplendent nobility, the attires of the Caorrani is a window into its culture, resources, and social structures.
Peasants and Commoners
For Caorrani peasants, clothing is shaped by practicality and the resources available to their communities. Coarse wool and linen dominate their wardrobes, with wool abundant from sheep farming and linen used for undergarments. The natural dyes produce muted tones, though brighter colors might appear as small accents if a family can afford them.
Men wear tunics over simple trousers, secured at the waist with a belt. Pouches or tools needed for daily work are often carried on these belts. Women favor long woolen dresses, often paired with a simple apron. Linen underdresses are common, with shawls or cloaks added for warmth during colder seasons. Simple leather shoes or crudely stitched boots protect their feet, crafted at home or by local artisans.
Clan Retinues and Woodlanders
Men serving a Clan as part of their retinue often wear a belted plaid over their base clothing. These large woolen garments are wrapped around the body and belted at the waist, serving as both clothing and bedding. They are dyed in the clan's colors, such as blue for House Cousland, black for House Bardach, yellow for House Bardach-Quelius, green and brown for House Rampshire and so on.
Steel brooches, a mark of affluence, can be used to secure the plaids or cloaks, and dirks, Caorrani dagger-like tools, are commonly carried by retinue members as a practical accessory and status symbol.
In the dense, rainy forests of Caorran, Woodlanders, those who work as hunters or lumberjacks, adopt simpler versions of the plaid. These are often worn from labor and lack the vivid dyes of clan colors due to their expensive nature. Their attire prioritizes durability and warmth, reflecting the rugged environment in which they live.
The Caorrani Nobility
Among the wealthier denizens of the realm, clothing is both a statement of status and a reflection of alliances and wealth. Nobles invest in luxurious fabrics like silk, velvet, and imports from Asraniae and Fairshore. Though wool and linen remain staples, they are of superior quality than those of the lower classes.
Caorrani noblemen will often wear doublets, fitted leather jackets, often adorned with decorative slashing, embroidery, or the clan's heraldry. Their breeches, crafted from fine, warm materials, are richly decorated to showcase wealth. Their long cloaks are elaborately adorned in their House's colors, fastened with ornate brooches or chains, which symbolize power and loyalty.
As for the noblewomen, they favor the gown, long, flowing dresses made of luxurious fabrics with fitted bodices and wide sleeves. Likewise, those women who can afford kirtles will often wear them to the feasts of the Kingdom, and they are simply layered gowns, featuring more detailed embroidery and heraldic symbols, and are a hallmark of high nobility.
Gold and silver jewelry, often set with gemstones like emeralds and sapphires, is prevalent among the highborn. Intricate designs adorn belt buckles, brooches, and girdles, showcasing the skill of Caorrani artisans. The King's Crown itself, crafted from gold and silver, is adorned with intricate knotwork that reflects Caorrani heritage.