So I’m going to try make/assemble Loki’s Avenger costume over the next few months, but not nearly as detailed, just as long as it’s recognisable as being Loki. First thing on my list is his helm. Now, I’m going to use a hurling helmet as the base because of the flat top shape, but it’ll be layered over with lots of poster board (which surprisingly seems to make for good looking armour). I hope that looks good. The horns are going to be tricky, but I noticed earlier today that the top hooks of a coat rack are very similar in shape and size, I’ll just have to carve points at the top. I might be able to get one off my grandmother.

I’d love to be able to make and afford something that looks much closer to the film outfit, but it’s so damn intricate looking and I have zero experience in making clothes. If you have any tips, do share!

Because people seem to really want it.

Lots of people are reblogging that armour gif again saying they’re happy to know the names of the various parts, so here’s a few more diagrams. Naturally, some styles of armour have extra or different parts and there are specially made suits for jousting and such.

A really important thing to note is that not every soldier/warrior of the time had plate armour. Chainmail was much more common. For as cheap and available as it was, it did a great job against most bladed weapons. It was only when swords made for stabbing and advancements in arrows came about that could break through the links that plate armour started to really get going. But it’s expensive and has to be custom made for each warrior, unlike the one-size-fits-all chainmail tunics.

The main thing to keep in mind when designing armour is what purpose you want it to serve. Does your character need maximum mobility? How do they fight? Do they come from a background where they could get their hands on a fitting suit? And if they are wearing a full suit of armour, make bloody well sure they can move in it! Fantasy armour is more often than not, impractical and does not “meld” together. Ever play a video game and your character’s armour will clip through their own body? Yeah, don’t do that. You’ll feel like a master if you come up with armour that fits well.

Those black armour images are getting ridiculous amounts of reblogs so here’s my whole folder (158 images) in a zip file.

Because everyone is reblogging that black suit of armour I uploaded.

EDIT: Hey, I have a folder full of reference uploaded here.