General breakdown of clothes
The Player's Handbook lists 4 sets of clothing, and robes, but doesn't go into details, nor does it list all those extras folks always want: Hat, gloves, cloaks, boots.
Also, some Pack kits list things not otherwise listed...plus there is inclement weather prep.
So, let's explore what those are, at least when I'm the DM.
Not on the list, but mentioned in gear packages or Background packages:
Vestments (Cleric's, Acolyte's, etc)
Uniform (Watchman's, Mercenary's, etc)
Robes (Scholar's)
Clothes:
Common
The basic set of clothing. Peasant or townsman. Nothing special, and it may only have sandals. Not outdoor wear, but if it's not raining or snowing, it's fine.
Costume
Generally an Entertainer's performing clothes, or Jester's Motley. But..It covers a lot of areas not otherwise covered: Uniforms and Vestments, for instance. Anything that marks you and your profession as obvious to all.
Fine
Fancy dress for many, basic clothing for well to do merchants or guidsman, or ANY noble that wants to keep his head up in Society.
Traveler's
This is what everyone wants when they go looking for clothing supplements: Hats, gloves, cloak, boots. Hard wearing clothing geared to handle any weather. Well, mostly. If you're looking to supplement Common clothes, either see about an upgrade to Traveler's, or buy Traveler's as a second set. A change of clothes is always handy.
Robes:
Frankly, while it's on the equipment list, it's undefined. Still it exists, so it needs to have a use. This is supplemental clothing, NOT a clothing replacement...unless the pounding on the door at midnight woke you up, of course.
Let's use the same 4 classes as Clothes. Price may vary by type, of course, but here are some handy uses:
Common
Basically the listed item from the PHB: Consider it a cold weather full length insulator for over your clothing. Probably wool.
Costume
Not much call for this, outside a supplemental vestment or a mage's "Uniform". Basic cloth, possibly linen, probably wool, is as the PHB. Clerics generally go fancier as vestments for sermons and ceremonial use. NOT included in vestments from background gear. May cost more than the PHB listing, depending on use.
Fine
Heavy and fancy fur, usually, to show off how well prepared you are for braving the cold outside world. Might also be a "costume" as above for special occasions, like the family booth at a jousting match during the Fall. Usually costs more, possibly MUCH more, than the PHB states.
Traveler's
Less a Robe than a heavy cloak. Fur, probably, from a kill. Not as warm as Robes, but easier to fight in. Weighs the same, may cost the same, may not.
Edit: I checked the DMG and there is no Robe slot for magic items. I will let a robe substitute for either Cloak or Armor slots, and will let one be worn over Light Armor or No Armor, but not Medium or Heavy Armor.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:03, Sun 13 Mar 2022.