Larp Couture

I support codpieces! Which, in turn, support cod!

Well. Originally, codpieces were designed to cover cod, which were slipping out with embarrassing regularity as men’s tunic and jack hemlines rose in the 15th century. It wasn’t until the 16th century that lift and support became their primary function. Nevertheless! I support them, even when they did not support themselves.

In all seriousness- codpieces were used popularly in Western Europe during the 15th-16th centuries, and fell out of use as puffier men’s pants came into style, which tended to obscure the codpiece anyway (source). It is commonly discussed as a wealthy men’s fashion, and it was incorporated into armor, which between the two means most characters from the period (or a fantasy equivalent) could pull it off.

There is another excellent point the Larp-smith brought up- codpieces can be protective! For gentlemen enjoying this great game of ours, it may have occurred to you already that a bit of protection wouldn’t go amiss. Besides, let’s be honest. Those of us who enjoy the male body think it’s only fair that there be a male equivalent of those “protective” corsets. Come on, guys. Be a gentleman and show it off!

Celtic Creations at Etsy sells embroidered fabric ones for $10.

The-Larp-Store has velveteen ones in Red and Green for $16.

If you’re the crafty sort, you can purchase a cup from, say, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and decorate it yourself!

Image credits:

Top: Henry VII’s armor on display in the Tower of London. Photo by litlnemo.

Bottom Left: The Yorck Project: 10.000 Meisterwerke der Malerei. DVD-ROM, 2002. ISBN 3936122202. Distributed by DIRECTMEDIA Publishing GmbH. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Bottom Middle: Baptiste Giabiconi for the 2011 Pirelli Calendar.

Bottom Right: Charles V Standing With His Dog by Titian. Via Wikimedia Commons.