What's going on under Snape's robes (longish)

[sjlupin]

No: HPFGUIDX 74341

> 
>   For some reason, I've always pictured the robes as a more 
structured garment, like some of the later Medieval/Renaissance 
clothes.  Something like a more closely tailored, button down body, 
with a higher collar and fitted sleeves, a full 'skirt' widening from 
the waistline, and an additional draped layer flowing from the 
shoulderline at the back, perhaps with a flowing oversleeve as well.  
These could be worn with an undershirt of some kind, which would not 
always be visible.  There can be more than one weight of fabric used, 
to give different movement to the garment, eg the main body/skirt in 
a practical wool weight, with the drape being in a silk, to billow 
out.
> 
>   This kind of clothing just seems more practical (and potentially 
flattering) to me, and would still fit the rather minimal 
descriptions given.
> 
>   It also might explain why I readily accepted the Snape outfit in 
the films - the only real difference to the outward appearance would 
have been the skirting instead of the trousers!
> 
>   Dawn

I'd tend to agree. I have been rereading PoA and there is a passage 
about Lupin after one of the first times he is ill and it is stated 
that his robes are hanging on him, or are looser or something to that 
affect (no book here - sorry). When I read that I thought of 
the 'movie' robes and thought that even if one lost 10 pounds, it 
wouldn't necessarily show with these billowing robes. That made me 
think that perhaps they are more form fitting as well.

sjlupin