Dressing Like You’re Union Made

In our last post, we explored how to dress the part for your faction, ensuring your costume fits seamlessly into the BoomTown setting. But what about when your character is part of something even more specific—a union? Unions in our world are more than just a collective of workers; they’re a way of life, each with its own distinct culture, values, and visual identity.

To be "union made" means to represent strength, solidarity, and pride in collective effort. It’s about craftsmanship, fairness, and the shared struggles and triumphs of working together toward a common goal. Dressing like you’re union made isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about embodying the resilience and purpose that defines your group.

This post will guide you through the unique styles of each union, from the rugged workwear of laborers to the polished uniforms of technicians. Let’s dive into the details and help you craft a look that screams union made.

The Bureaucratic Union

The Bureaucratic Union doesn’t dress for survival, they dress to remind everyone who’s in charge. Their look is sharp, minimal, and controlled, but worn down just enough to suggest they’ve walked a mile through the apocalypse to deliver some very important paperwork. Think “post-apocalyptic office chic,” where every crease and cuff whispers authority.

Start with thrift store basics: grab a blazer or collared shirt and give it some love with patches or a little weathering. Elbow patches are a must, they scream "bureaucrat under siege."

A tie is non-negotiable. Fray the edges or rub some dirt into it to make it look like it’s seen the end of the world, but keep it tied like you mean business.

Accessorize smartly: clipboards, old notebooks, or a calculator from a dollar store work wonders. Even better if the notebook looks worn, like you’ve been tallying the last resources of civilization.

A pocket watch or outdated ID badge clipped to your lapel seals the deal. Bonus points for finding a briefcase to carry your apocalypse “files.”

This is a look of control through chaos. Your outfit should feel like it has rules, rules only you fully understand.

The Crafters Union

For the Crafters Union, every outfit is a project, a walking testament to ingenuity. Their costumes are never finished, always being updated, modified, or reinforced. A Crafter doesn’t just wear their clothing; they shape it, piece by piece, turning every stitch, patch, and tool into a reflection of their ingenuity. Whether it’s a patch reinforced to carry a tool or an adjustment made for practicality, a Crafter’s attire is as much a work of art as it is a survival tool.

Start with a utility belt or apron from a hardware store. Load it up with small tools, pliers, screwdrivers, or salvaged “gadgets” you can find at secondhand shops - junk that could be useful in a pinch.

Add goggles. They’re a signature piece, so don’t be afraid to customize them. Paint the rims, crack the lenses (safely), or modify the straps.

Use leftover fabric scraps or old gloves to add layers and padding to your costume. The more patched together it looks, the better. Attach random tech pieces, anywhere you can. Clip them to pockets, dangle them from belts, or sew them directly onto your coat.

Crafters are about utility and creativity. Your costume should look like you built it yourself in a dusty workshop, and it probably wouldn’t hurt if you did.

The Laborers Union

The Laborers Union is all about grit and pride. Their outfits tell the story of long days of hard work, stitched together with resilience and determination. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done.

Start with sturdy basics: thrift store overalls, work pants, or heavy-duty shirts. Tear them strategically, but keep them practical, these are clothes for working in, after all.

Add patches to sleeves or pant legs. Bonus points if the patches feature union crests or something that screams solidarity.

Bandanas are essential. Stain it with grease to give it that lived-in, hardworking feel, then tie it around your neck or head to keep the dirt and sweat out of your eyes. Frayed edges from countless repairs, smudges from machinery, and the faint scent of oil and effort are a symbol of your character’s dedication to a hard day’s work.

Carry tools that double as props: a hammer, wrench, or crowbar slung through your belt works perfectly. Make them lightweight replicas if you’re planning to carry them for long stretches. Your costume should look like it’s seen hard labor and earned every scar.

The Scavengers Union

The Scavenger’s Union is all about cobbling together survival from whatever the world leaves behind turning trash into treasure. Every piece of their clothing tells a story of ingenuity and determination, scavenged from the ruins, mismatched yet functional, and proudly reclaimed as their own. Their patched fabrics and improvised tools aren’t just practical, but a badge of honor and a testament to their ability to adapt and thrive.

Start with layers. Grab mismatched clothing from thrift stores, anything with different textures or fabrics works. Rip, sew, and stitch them together to create a patchwork effect.

Use duct tape liberally: wrap it around boots, belts, or even parts of your costume. The more obviously “fixed” it looks, the better.

Fill your pockets and go-bag with found treasures: keys, cassette tapes, broken tools, or anything that looks like it might have been important once. Add belts and straps in unusual places, as if you’ve improvised a way to carry everything you own.

Your costume should feel lived-in and chaotic, but still functional. You’re the embodiment of survival through resourcefulness.

The Rhinohide Mercenary Union

The Rhinohide Mercenary Union is all about strength, intimidation, and utility. Their outfits are built for battle, designed to protect and make a statement.

Start with armor. Repurpose sports gear or thick leather into chest plates, shoulder pads, or bracers. Paint them with metallic colors for a weathered, worn effect.

Use tactical straps or bandoliers. Attach them across your chest to carry weapons, tools, or gear. They should look like they could hold everything you need to win a fight.

Keep a visible weapon on you, whether it’s a generic boffer weapon or a latex replica axe strapped to your back. Add layers that feel sturdy: a long coat with reinforced shoulders, or layers of different types of armor that suggests you can take on anything (and win). Rhinohides dress to intimidate. Your costume should say, “I’ve been through hell, and I’m ready to go back just to take you with me.”