What ventilation to use?

[Uridium]

I'm not sure you need any cooling.
The armour your making isn't really that "insulating". For nearly 30 years I fought in armour and only once tried my coolsuit under it, just for kicks. Today, people fight and wear complete suits like these, all the time, in all types of weather without any special cooling.

You would have to take into account the fact that metal armor is a less insulating material that cosplay 'Foam' armor. The outside air is going to cool metal significantly more that it would the foam.

Also adding, that its 'cool' you fought in armor!!! [terrible pun intended]

 

[RamonvanVeghel]

You would have to take into account the fact that metal armor is a less insulating material that cosplay 'Foam' armor. The outside air is going to cool metal significantly more that it would the foam.

Also adding, that its 'cool' you fought in armor!!! [terrible pun intended]

Ah yeah didn't think of that, foam is definitely more insulating than metal.
But I will see soon enough how warm it is and make changes accordingly, don't wanna cook myself walking around in costume lol.

Wow, somehow I also made that same pun without realizing it.

 

[lmgill]

Thanks for the advice! Yes, I agree it will probably not be as hot as a full insulating suit that closes off entirely. It's mainly the combination of the armor pieces, and the large amount of black cotton fabric that will be hot I think. I got about 25 meters of black cotton to incorporate into a tunic, outer robe, sleeves, hood, etc. I probably will double or triple on some of these layers like the sleeves as well for filling it out more.

But I did go for a natural cotton because like you said, it has some sweat wicking properties and enough breathability compared to synthetic.
Then I guess it remains to be seen how hot I'll be, I was just preparing for the worst since it'll also be my first experience in such a elaborate costume.
Thankfully I live in the Netherlands, where the weather is always kind of 'meh' and it doesn't really get THAT hot over here compared to some other places.
Also really cool that you fought in armor!

The key, is a layer right up against your skin. I used to work at "Old Tucson" a movie location in Tucson Arizona. Even during the hottest days, I would wear my full cowboy gear, sometimes with leather chaps, or a wool frock coat. Tourists in their shorts and T-shirts, consistently asked me if I was hot, or stated "Wow, you MUST be hot!".
But, because of the thin layer of cotton, that was now wet from sweat, I was not.
In fact I was likely more comfortable than the tourist.

 

[lmgill]

You would have to take into account the fact that metal armor is a less insulating material that cosplay 'Foam' armor. The outside air is going to cool metal significantly more that it would the foam.

Also adding, that its 'cool' you fought in armor!!! [terrible pun intended]

Well, there is that. This may be true. I have never made armour in foam, as I know how to make it in metal.

 

[RamonvanVeghel]

The key, is a layer right up against your skin. I used to work at "Old Tucson" a movie location in Tucson Arizona. Even during the hottest days, I would wear my full cowboy gear, sometimes with leather chaps, or a wool frock coat. Tourists in their shorts and T-shirts, consistently asked me if I was hot, or stated "Wow, you MUST be hot!".
But, because of the thin layer of cotton, that was now wet from sweat, I was not.
In fact I was likely more comfortable than the tourist.

Sounds encouraging! I actually got some black linen underclothes for the costume, though they are not right up against my skin. So I might have to look around for something else that fits more tightly in that case.

Well, there is that. This may be true. I have never made armour in foam, as I know how to make it in metal.

I think there is some truth to it since metal will feel more cool. I wish I could make my own metal armor and probably will start experimenting with that, but only after I have found a better place with less people around. I have a small garden with a tiny shed, surrounded on all sides by neighbours. Don't think they would appreciate me making real armor that much with all the hammering involved.

 

[lmgill]

I think there is some truth to it since metal will feel more cool. I wish I could make my own metal armor and probably will start experimenting with that, but only after I have found a better place with less people around. I have a small garden with a tiny shed, surrounded on all sides by neighbours. Don't think they would appreciate me making real armor that much with all the hammering involved.

You should. It is not as complex as many people think. But as you point out, a bit louder than working foam.

 

[RamonvanVeghel]

You should. It is not as complex as many people think. But as you point out, a bit louder than working foam.

Hmm yeah the loudest part of my current process is dremeling, though I could still do metal armor. I'd just have to work in small windows at reasonable times. Maybe I just have to bite the bullet after my current project and start with something metal..

Only thing is that such an armor isn't regarded as 'con-safe' I believe, here in the Netherlands at least, so entering an indoor con wouldn't be possible.