I picked up a length of what I thought was linen at Gulf Wars. I now think it’s linen-cotton blend. At any rate, it’s a lovely rust color, and I’m now thinking it should be a shirt that either I, in rapier mode, or Daan, when he deigns to accompany me, could wear.
Waiting on patterns to arrive
NEXT STEPS
Read patterns
Cut out and sew.
If historical accuracy is not much concern in this instance, never mind the rest of this comment. 🙂
If you’re feel like being historically accurate, consider making rust-colored fabric an outer garment (say a jerkin or light jacket) rather than a next-to-skin layer (shirt or chemise).
White and natural colors were nearly universally used for the innermost layers, and darker colors for the outer ones, all the way up through ~1800. (Few exceptions for the very rich/special occasions). Why?
Colored outer layers show dirt and wear less. White inner layers can be washed and bleached (by various methods) frequently and forcefully without without discoloring.
As a fencer, you can still use a jerkin or jacket, and Daan can still wear it when he plays; either of you may wear a white shirt under it to be modestly dressed.
for examples of jackets:
www. wga. hu/art/b/beuckela/element4.jpg
(the guy in the right foreground)
www. wga. hu/art/b/bruegel/pieter_e/painting/wedding.jpg
(lots of guys)