Instant Happiness: relaxed, minimalistic, and uncomplicated hobbit clothes
“ As for the Hobbits of the Shire, with whom these tales are concerned, in the days of their peace and prosperity they were a merry folk. They dressed in bright colors, being notably fond of yellow and green.”
J.R.R. Tolkien
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Hobbit clothes tell a story, they are a narration, a record of who we are and where we are coming from. Clothes are the tale of our lives. Warm, soft and comfortable materials are the key to happiness when it comes to clothes. The fabrics are natural, authentic and textured, the colors are soft and earthy, to remind hobbits of their strong bond with the Shire. Linen and cotton are worn next to the skin, shifts and shirts are soft, cream and beige in color. Wool is used for skirts, stays, bodices, waistcoats, pants and capes. Lace is expensive, so used by hobbit lasses only on special occasions.
Lasses wear nice, simple fitting, cotton or linen dresses with either a floral print for special occasions, or solid color for everyday -- they may choose a simple chemise and overskirt, and might very well add a laced-up bodice. They will often top off their outfits with a nice sun hat, and occasionally a small parasol. Hobbit lads wear clothing that is good for working in the field -- suspender pants that reach the knees, and loose, comfortable shirts. When not working in the fields, a hobbit lad will often sport a tweed vest and trousers. Their outfit isn’t complete without a pipe to smoke.
The clothing of the Hobbits shows their simple and relaxed nature, and is the source of much happiness to them. Lads are particularly fond of their vests -- the waistcoat is a distinctly ‘hobbity’ phenomenon, guaranteed to add a good dose of traditional style and formality. Hobbit fashion is simple, yet elegant. A nice scarf, with a combination of hand-knitted wool jumpers and cardigans. Hobbits are not happy when they are cold, so warm green or grey cloaks made of wool are essential.
There are many things that can be learned from hobbits and how they live. The Shire-folk have simple ‘needs’ : food, friendship, merriment, rest, taking delight in nature, and of course comfortable clothing. What hobbits ‘want’ is the key to their happiness. Sturdy tools to do their work, a cozy little home to go back to after a long day, and simple and comfortable hobbit-made ‘happy clothes’ to keep them warm. Perhaps the most important thing to be learned from hobbits is, in the wise words of Rufus Proudmore: “ Clothes are nice, but the most important thing to wear is a true hobbit smile.”
Photo belong to me, taken in New Zealand - edited and painted in Photoshop
