Money doesn't grow on trees and neither do Impressions

*Disclaimer, this blog is meant to be both educational and entertaining.  The information shared here should not be a substitute for your own research.  Additionally as new information comes to light through books and other reputable sources, facts shared here are subject to revision.  Constructive feedback is welcome as long as it is appropriate and professional*

A recent email I received along with some discussions at a recent event got me to thinking it would be a good time for this next blog topic.  Let's talk about money, budgets, and affording your impression.  I want this blog to be informative and helpful to anyone that reads it but in order to do that I also am going to be honest with anyone that reads this.  To be perfectly honest, this hobby isn't cheap, it's actually pretty expensive for the basics, but don't let that prevent you from pursuing it if that's what you're passionate about.  I firmly believe anyone can afford to do this hobby well as long as you are realistic and do a little bit of planning.    

Examples of 2 different uniform investment options for Nachrichten Helferin
Taken at The Battle of the Bulge re-enactmet event 2016

Let's get down to business

Getting back on track, you've now settled on an impression, you might have delved into a bit of research and even connected with a few potential units.  But before your get too far into this hobby let's get down to the nitty gritty.  No one likes to talk about money or finances but it is key to set realistic expectations of what you can afford right away and what you might need to save up for.  So many times I go to events and see someone in a cheaply made uniform or a uniform that is completely inaccurate that they purchased simply because it's all they could afford at the time and hold back a grimace.  No one wants to be perceived as that person in the hobby, and that can be easily avoided by setting those realistic expectations up front and planning accordingly.  
To put this in perspective, I've only been doing WW2 re-enacting for about a year and in that year I've spent close to $3,000 on my uniform and associated kit items.  You don't have to spend $3,000 in your first year but if you're starting from scratch a minimum realistic budget should be at least $1,000 allocated to make an basic impression.  This will vary depending the specific impression too and what specific requirements your unit commander might have.  A Heer nachrichten impression for example, where reproduction uniforms are available from multiple vendors might be closer to $1,000 for the whole kit while a Luftwaffehelferinen with only 1-2 vendors for uniform could require a much higher budget.  

Now you're probably wondering how I managed to come up with these numbers?  Or how does this all break down?  Remember this will vary from person to person and impression to impression, and it may also vary from unit to unit based off of their requirements but let's take a quick look at how this all adds up.

Uniform Basics

Heer Helferin in Paris
Source:  Glory:  The largest archive of German WWII images on Flickr

The typical uniform you see at events for women portraying German Helferin is what is called the "walking out" uniform.  This is the skirt, jacket/tunic, collared blouse with tie, and overseas cap.  On the low end your uniform could cost as cheap as $250 all the way up to $800 on the high end.  Prices depend on the quality of the wool, skill of the tailor, and whether it is tailored to your measurements or an off the rack size.  In addition to the uniform piece there will also be insignia that will be required.  Your insignia can add up to $75-$100 or more.  Collared blouses will also need to be purchased to wear with your uniform tie.  

The uniform is not the only clothing pieces you will need though.  You're going to need uniform shoes to wear at events.  Acceptable uniform shoes are black lace up oxfords either flat or with a slight heel.  Modern reproduction style shoes will be an additional $50 approximately while vintage or vintage deadstock can cost up to $100.  

Examples of uniform shoe styles
Source:  353.Infanteriedivision Standards for Nachrichten

Foundations are key

You will also need foundation garments to wear.  Not every re-enactor has to go 100% to the level of accuracy for a period bra or underwear so we will omit those estimates but you will definitely need a garter belt and stockings.  A quality and durable garter belt let's estimate will be $40 and stockings $20 a pair.  Plan on investing and needing at least 3 pairs for your first event.  A rule of thumb to pack or have available 2 pairs for every day of an event.  So a 2 day event would mean you need to have 4 pairs with you in case you snag or ruin any during the day or evening activities.  

Accessories are key

In addition to your uniform, basic kit items will be critical for your survival at an event.  When I refer to "kit items" I mean things like your canteen, mess tin, silverware, blankets, and other items.  All these items can be purchased from several online vendors at varying price points, varying quality, and varying accuracy levels.  The best advice I can provide on these items takes me back to the previous post about networking in the hobby.  Ask your fellow re-enactors what they recommended but also ask multiple people just because one person swears by an inexpensive mess tin doesn't mean it's always the best investment.  

Canteen & Mess Tin Reproduction examples
Source:  At the Front

Check Please...

So totaling it all out a good expectation of what your budget will look like this:

Uniform (Median price) - $350
Insignia - $100
Uniform blouse & Ties - $75
Foundation Garments - $$75
Shoes - $50
Kit Items - $250
Total - $900

As you can see budgeting $1,000 as a starting point is not unrealistic.  Remember that these numbers are subject to variance depending on the vendors you choose to go with.  

Avoiding common mistakes

Research, Research, Research!
World War II German Women's Auxiliary Services published by Osprey

Now that we've shown some numbers I want to go into another honest topic concerning so many common mistakes I see at events.  First and foremost, not doing your basic research.  Remember you are representing actually women who served and put their lives on the line, they deserve accurate representation and not just an easy inexpensive out.  With that said research, research, research, before you buy!  Know what the uniform requirements were and what details were important on the women's uniforms.  If you choose to do a flak-helferin impression, slipping on a pair of men's uniform trousers, a fliegerbluse, and adding a flak badge does not mean you have a historically correct uniform.  

Note Women's Flak Helferin pants were different from Mens pants!

Think twice about picking up a modern skirt at goodwill just because it'll be good enough for now when maybe you're better off waiting a paycheck or two and purchasing that vintage skirt off of etsy which is much more correct.  Again always do your research before purchasing.  

All in all hopefully I've helped put some of this in perspective, this hobby is what you make of it.  We realistically desire to represent the men and women of this past generation accurately and respect them for the service they provided their countries.  In order to do this keep in mind cheap is not always the best route to go to achieve this.  

Notable reference sources & links

World War II German Women's Auxiliary Services by Osprey Publishing (Men-At-Arms book)
Blitzmädchen. Die Geschichte der Wehrmachthelferinnen im Zweiten Weltkrieg by Franz W. Seidler (ISBN:  3763759573)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/farinihouseoflove/
http://353id.org/nach.html

Vendor Links (not all inclusive)

Kit Items:
http://atthefront.com/
http://www.hessenantique.com/
http://www.kelsmilitary.com/SFNT.html

Uniforms:
http://feldissue.com/
http://schusters.ru/en/shop/germany-1933-1945/uniforms-4/