Well now, there's no reason for us all to be wandering around looking like bag people after the ZE (zombie event) strikes. However even though our main concern when gathering together our wardrobe is "be prepared" that doesn't mean that we can't look good.
There are a few main functions that we need too keep in mind when picking out clothing, I list them as follows in no particular order;
Bite Resistance
Weatherproof
Good Pockets
Camoflage
I'll tackle each point in a lil more detail now. You should be looking at whatever item of clothing you pick too be able to fulfill at least 2 of these functions, layering is your friend but too many layers and you will find yourself overheating (especially whilst in battle) and possible even having your freedom of movement compromised, and keeping yourself as free too move as possible is vital because as we all know, zombies can be swift little buggers in close quarters despite the lurching.
Bite Resistances
This is mostly a close quarters concern, and whilst you want too be planning to avoid close encounters with zombies it is something you need too be ultimately ready for. I recommend fabrics which tangle in the teeth, such as wool - A very heavy, thick knit pure wool sweater will provide good confusing bite resitance and weather protection. However it could also compromise your movement, so be aware.
Plastic clothing such as rain macs should be avoided, whilst giving the illusion of strength they tear extremely easily and will provide little resistance too a solid chomp.
Heavy cottons are the most usable, though they don't provide the resistance of a heavy wool knit, you can wear more layers which will ultimately proved better resistance. Also there are more clothing styles available in cotton, I recommend 100% cotton for it's "cool in the warm, warm in the cold" propertys which you will need if you get caught on the run.
Weatherproof
I've already mentioned the inadiquacys of plastics. For the most versatile weatherproofing I'd recommend treated cotton. You can get some very good heavy cotton jackets which have been treated for weatherproofing. Thinking ahead and getting hold of, for example, a riders trenchcoat will give you the function of good weatherproofing, deep and useful pockets and, of course, nuetral coloured style! Hunting jackets are also the outerwear of choice, for their camoflage, weatherproofing and multiple compartments. Ideally you would have both and layer them. Ensure what you're wearing under them is not too thick however or you will suffer in your freedom of movement, I'd suggest stocking up on some thermals too wear beneath them.
Good Pockets
You do not want too have too many bags when you're on the run from Zombies, not only can they slow you down, but also they give zombies something too grab onto when their close by and you could loose something vital when you are inevitably forced too drop them and run
For preferance you want plenty of easily accessable zippered pockets and for that purpose I'd suggest the already mentioned hunting jacket. Combat trousers are also good outerwear, especially as you can layer them over a good pair of cotton jeans which will give you insulation as well as good bite resistance. If you do not have access too those, ensure whatever clothing you're picking has good deep pockets things won't fall out of easily. That last bullet could be vital.
Camoflage
Neutral colours such as browns, dark greens/blues and black are the colours you should be looking for. Not neccessarily too keep you out of sight from Zombies, since their visual accuity varys greatly, and their more attracted by movement and sound than colour, but too keep you out of sight of unturned humans. In the aftermath there will be many dangerous and unsavoury humans roaming around as well as zombies. It pays too be cautious. Not every unturned person you see will be an ally.
What people don't always realise is that camoflage clothing such as the military wear is mostly ineffective in the urban jungle, and will in fact make you highly visible. You are better off with plain, unpatterned clothing in earth tones. Save your military camoflage for when you're out in the wilderness.
Finally.
When picking your outfit there are a few key points to remember beside what I've already mentioned.
- Beware of straps/loops, baggy openings. Don't make the zombies task of grabbing hold of you any easier or increase the risk of you getting snagged on something as you try and escape.
- Always seal endings of your clothing. Tuck trousers into boots or tape them up, same for at your wrists. Do not allow uneccesary skin to be exposed, you could be risking injury or infection or simply giving a lucky zombie an easy chomp.
- Don't neglect the neck!. A good thick but not itchy woolen scarf wrapped a couple of times around your vulnerable throat and tucked into your sweater/shirt will be invaluable bite resistance and once you have done one wrap, you can even tuck something more durable such as a cut tupperware bowl in there, do another wrap around it and be doubly protected not only from bites, but also chaffing.
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This is why scissors are a neccessity. Hammer loop on your jeans? Cut it off. Bungee cords on your camping pack? Off. Danglies on the zippers of your jacket? Off.
One thing you forgot to mention: shoes. You may end up wearing one pair of shoes for a very, very long time, so you need something functional that will last. The best thing for most survivors is going to be hiking boots. Because they're made for the outdoors, they're sturdy, flexible, and they cover the ankle pretty well. Your feet are protected from the elements, and they won't weigh you down when running, unlike many work boots or military issue boots. (Though if you're strong enough in the legs to run in such heavy-duty footwear, by all means, wear them.)
If you don't have immediate access to hiking boots when the zombies attack, here's what you should look for in footwear:
-Cover - Sandals are a no-no! If parts of your feet are uncovered, they will be open to debri, lacerations, and possibly infection. Zombies will not be too repulsed by the stench of your footsies to take a chomp out of them.
-Sturdiness - You need something that won't fall apart from a lot of walking. A nice, solid sole is important - nothing flimsy - an an outside that won't pierce too easily. Leather is probably your best bet.
-Fit - Again, you may end up wearing these shoes for a long time. If your feet are covered in blisters from shoes that don't fit right, it will slow you down. Similarly, only wear what is light enough for your feet - heavy feet will slow you down, too.
And by god if I find anyone wearing strappy pumps I will feed them to the zombies myself.
On the note of hiking boots, unless you've already got a pair you've had for a while and are really comfortable with, stay away from them. A new pair of boots takes a while to break in, and while you're breaking them in, you will be suffering.
There's actually a new trend running in serious backpackers to just wear good tennis shoes instead of hiking boots. The give your foot more range of movement and are almost guerenteed to be more comfortable. There's a sacrifice in ankle support and general sturdyness, yes, but ankle support becomes less important when you're running for your life, and the difference in sturdiness only becomes an issue if you expect to have a particularily determined zombie chomping on your foot.
"Better put on my hiking boots today -- that damn ankle-biting zombie is back, gotta go deal with it."
All that needs to be said is this: FIRE = BAD
You should also take into account how well your footwear of choice stays on your little footsies when tugged upon by hungry zombies. You should know that one day in your ZE experience you may be faced with a hungry zombie that lunges and finds your foot between its hands.
I have found, throgh rigorous testing, that running shoes and hiking boots tend to have a very good grip upon the foot when the laces are properly tightened. Most pairs of sneakers, however, are generally too loose-fitting to prevent removal by a strong tug or yank possible to be administered by a zombie or environmental debris.
Being shoeless while escaping from a mass of undead would be a nightmare for people without hooves. Taking into account the fact that few people have these, your best reaction might be to wrap your feet in clothing or some sort of protection. Better to use another artical of clothing to be able to run than to keep your shirt on and try and hold your ground.
If you're caught with your pants down in this situation, I wouldnt blame you (so long as they were wrapped around your feet).
Pet Cemetary tried to warn you... they don't come back the same.
I'm just gonna plug leather again. (I've been plugging it in the Armor thread.) It's supremely durable, plentiful and offers significant protection. Its one major down side is that it's hot, so it's not a great idea in the middle of summer. Another potential downside is weight. Leather is heavier than most fabrics.
Weight be damned, shoes are gonna be a bit heavier. You're right about the leather, again. There are some good explanations of how to make shoes from leather and a few other parts that are quite servicable.
All that needs to be said is this: FIRE = BAD
decapitated zombie head lieing low on the ground out of sight amongst a hord of zombie dead, just looking for something to munch upon... and here comes a foot!! Its gonna bite. To me the ideal footwear is my army boot. Though other boots are doable. Why? Its leather can stop almost any chomp. It covers my leg to the calf. I can tuckmy pant legs down into them to avoide lose clothing. And if worn properly, my leg will get pulled off befor the boot does. But of course your more likly to find me wadding into the zombie hoard then running away. So the protection is paramount to me.
Generally the facts we disbelieve are called opinions and the opinions we believe are called facts.
A long leather or thick wool trench coat for storage space and protection (high collar for preference), leather boots (preferably army), spiked leather gloves for functionality and durability and a metal helmet, easily aquireable from army surplus stores everywhere. and maybe goggles for eye protection. And something comfortable like jeans and a t-shirt.
When in doubt, get a chainsaw.
Why "spiked leather gloves"? Leather, sure. Where does the spiked part come in?
naaaaw, i'd just hang them alive on a tree, so they provide a distraction for the zombies
as for fasion, i stand by my idea of an arm guard or better yet a vambrace to ward off zombie teeth liek those of an attack dog
war's my game
destruction by no other name