I'm currently going for a Hospitaller kit circa 13th century. I've got some butted maille that'll have to do for now until I can afford riveted. I made my own soft kit, but am not satisfied with it, so I need to get a new one. I've got a helm, shoes, and a sword (no scabbard). I've got a whole laundry list of things I need/want, but I think that's another topic for another thread.
Put it all on and snap a few pics, let's see what you've got. One thing I have learned is that modern interpretation in a general sense is usually wrong unless it is backed by historical application. I'll give you an example; a lot of the surcoats you can get off the rack are either too short, too long, not tailored, too baggy or what have you depending on the period you're shooting for. The undergarments that lay against your body, the arming clothes that protect said body from the armor above it- all of these things actually make a difference, not only in looks and authenticity but in how it all comes together. I'm finding that most OTR stuff isn't a good fit for me, so I'm having to go the custom route.
My current project is a 13th Century English knight, circa 1240-1299; I'm not up for joining the 14C Mafia just yet! In any event, what this means is I'm to start from the ground up- everything; from correct shoes and undergarments (linen chausses, braies, undertunic), to arming gambeson, period correct maille hauberk (still not sure on integral coif or not as there's examples of both, and then there's the mittens), surcoat w/my heraldry, helm (with appropriate heraldry if applicable), sword, blazoned shield. And that's just for on-foot. I'm reasonably certain I'll not be acquiring a horse anytime soon so I won't need tack and saddle, but I'm still going to get a lance and a pair of gold-plated spurs. I'm sure I've missed something but this is just off the top of my head.
If I bother to add it all up, I'll probably go nuts so this is a 'get as I go' type of thing, which is what a lot of us do. Above all- have fun with it.
