[hp] canon question

[wisdomeagle]

So... what do you think three sets of plain work robes (black) are made of? I'm having issues in that one probably can't use any Muggle synthetics, which lets out polyester and rayon, and since most apparel is a poly-cotton blend of some sort... I think silk or tafetta would be too dressy for work robes; denim is obviously out and... ack! Any guesses?

Comments

[likeadeuce.livejournal.com]

I love that this qualifies as a "canon question." And as my expertise in HP-fandom involves writing one Wesley/Tonks crossover piece, um --

I would be inclined to make up something magical. But that's probably lame. I just love the question!

Also, Arthur Weasley secretly COLLECTS clothing made of polyester.

[malnpudl.livejournal.com]

I have no idea if there's a canon answer, but I'd assume a lightweight wool gabardine, possibly with one robe in cotton for warmer weather (though it doesn't seem that there would be any great need for such a thing).

[rosewildeirish.livejournal.com]

...I would say trigger, a sturdier fabric made of cotton, but I think it's another cotton-poly blend.

[thelastgoodname.livejournal.com]

Wool.

Not only is this the Victorian wizarding world we're talking about (candles? quills? are you serious, Jo?), but it's also Scotland in January. Forget lightweight, Scotland in July is COLD.

[wisdomeagle]

Thankee!

[thelastgoodname.livejournal.com]

With the caveat, of course, that as far as I recall there is no canon indication whatsoever. But wool seems the only reasonable answer.

[aella_irene]

Wool, cotton, linen or possibly a linen cotton blend

[ct]

I'd say wool. It's warm, it can be made into a hard-wearing cloth. Also, it's possibly a safer choice in potions class than the other alternatives. Wool is safer than muggle synthetics in situations where there's the possibility of flame/heat (potions class, for example) because it burns rather than melting, but I don't know how it compares to cotton and linen. And I'd go check, but I doubt my parents would appreciate me trying to burn yarn at two in the morning. *g*

[tsiankiio.livejournal.com]

Linsey-woolsey! Just because muggles never use it anymore (it's a linen-wool blend). Natural fibers will always be better because they burn less easily and won't melt to you and cause ugly burns. Wool is freaking imposible to set on fire and linen and cotton are actuall pretty hard too.

[gvambat.livejournal.com]

Wool is freaking imposible to set on fire

Um...it is possible...*whistles innocently*

[mari4212.livejournal.com]

Wool, linen, cotton, a few natural fabrics/natural blends. Given how northerly Hogwarts is, I'd assume wool for Hogwarts students and teachers, with the occasional lighter weight alternative.

[fannishnej.livejournal.com]

I would imagine a sturdy canvas for potions class (since they don't seem to wear aprons of any sort), and something a little softer but still heavy and warm for the rest of the time.

Linen, cotton, wool, and maybe hemp seem like the most likely materials.