My Hunnic Kaftan is finally complete. Based on the Loulan find, but with modification to the sleeves to match Old Termez (4th c.) and Moshchevaja Balka (8th-9th c.), in reverse of the original artefact which was modified to imitate Chinese fashion.

For the collar, I made another modification - a fabric button. 4th Century Kaftans from the far east are known to use metal buttons, but none have been found in Europe. Conversely, patterns of fibula use don't offer a secure interpretation for patterns of use in male dress. (1/2)

Therefore, we chose to adopt something that first appears in Roman dress in about the reign of Anastasius: the use of fabric buttons. This is an extrapolation, but it's possible the Huns may have introduced button use in this manner, and the construction is similar. (2/2)

Finally, we looked to Old Termez, for where this style of coat has steppe parallels, and chose to have it open at two side seams in the bottom like other steppe kaftans.

So why Loulan? And why not say, the Kandydes from Antinoe.

Well we can't say for certain what Kaftans the Huns used. The Kandys is believed to be an Alan fashion, and the Alans were widespread among the Huns in Central Asia and Europe.

I chose the Loulan Kaftan based on the Noin Ula Mound 20 carpet, which shows a 1st Century BC Hun wearing what appears to be a similar garment on the left side. And we know the Loulan Kaftan is a modified steppe fashion, not a Chinese fashion.

Finally, a late 5th Century silk from the Al-Sabah collection was chosen for the pattern. Atwood suggests the Huns had extensive trade connections with Bactria, Sogdia, and North Iran, so a silk from that region, substituting the lack of European finds, seemed a logical choice.

@eranudturan Was one of the many people who helped me with this project, which was produced by Kazar Bazar ( https://kazarbazar.com/ ) and Kvetun Leather. Also shout outs to Stephan Eitler and Kasia Gromek of UW-Madison for their help and research with this project.

Our Hunnic Reenactment group, Ultzinzur, is an international collaboration of reenactors and researchers. We seek to create a truly accurate representation of Hunnic costume and culture, bringing an experience beyond just military reenactment. https://www.facebook.com/ultzinzur/