Some common “characters” to dress as are peasants, pirates, wenches, and royal nobility. It may help to sketch out a design on paper, or save images of pieces that you like and want to find, make, or otherwise emulate. Note that while many people choose to dress according to the era, which is typically set in Elizabethan England at most faires, Renaissance faires have also become a gathering place for a wide variety of subcultures and cosplay (costume play) of all kinds, whether or not it relates to the time period.
For example, you might wear a dirty leather apron as a blacksmith, a flour-dusted apron and hat as a baker, and a typical “wench” outfit as the owner of a tavern or inn. [1] X Research source You may also dress as a higher class person, or even royalty, who would not have worked in difficult trade or labor and would thus wear more high quality and expensive fabrics and outfits.
For example, you might be riding a horse, dancing, or working at a trade, all of which might warrant slightly different attire. Keep in mind the weather on the day of the Renaissance faire as well. They are often held in summer, so you may not want to wear quite as many layers as might have been typical for some period outfits.
Look for earth tones like green, brown, beige, and rust. Choose pure white only when dressing as an upper class person, and purple only for the highest royalty. Avoid neon colors, patterns, and other bright modern shades. Choose fabrics made with natural fibers or materials, as synthetic fabrics were not yet invented in this time period. Go for cotton, raw silk, linen, woven cotton, wool, and leather. Use velvets, satins, and brocades only for high class and royalty costumes. [2] X Research source
Try a simple leather belt and attach one or more pouches, also made of leather or a natural fiber, as a nice accessory as well as a way to hide away 21st century things like cell phones, wallets, and car keys![3] X Research source Don a tricorn hat for a classic pirate-type look, or a bonnet-like “muffin” hat for a female peasant costume. Choose sturdy leather boots, if possible, or other practical footwear made of natural material. Note that many Renaissance faire venues won’t allow real weapons inside unless you’re a performer, so opt for a costume sword or another decorative-only weapon for your accessories. [4] X Research source
Check fabric and craft stores near you for sewing patterns for garments of the time period, like bodices, skirts, breeches, and doublets. Look online for more sewing patterns, inspiration on the type of pieces you’d like to make yourself, or even suggestions on how to alter existing clothing to make it more period-accurate.
Try thrift or secondhand stores, garage sales, or vintage shops for used costume or specialty items. Check websites like Ebay and other locations that may be easier to search for specific items. You can also buy clothing directly from sellers at a Renaissance faire, and either change your clothes there or save it for the next faire you attend.
A half size chemise is like a loose blouse, while a full size is like a long, loose nightgown. Substitute a long shirt or nightgown in a light, neutral color if you can’t acquire an authentic chemise. [5] X Research source Forgo a modern bra if you plan to wear a traditional corset or structured bodice, as these will provide support for your chest and be more accurate to the time period if you’re going for full authenticity.
You can wear a corset or bodice as the main outer garment for your upper body, or you can use one as support and structure for a top and skirt or dress that you pull over it. Make sure any very fitted garment like a corset is not worn to the level of discomfort or for a very long period of time.
Avoid any ruffles, adornments, or patterns on skirts. For more volume, add crinoline or other layers underneath your main skirt. Wear two or more skirts layered over one another and tuck the the top layer up into the waistband at the sides for a typical peasant look and shape. [6] X Research source The costume for a woman of nobility would include a more formal and elaborate gown, made of velvet or silk and including a very full hoop skirt or “farthingale” underneath. [7] X Research source
Go for light or no makeup, unless you are achieving a nobility look, in which case pale powder and dramatic rouge are acceptable. Nobility can wear a girdle adorned with chains, jewels, and a purse that matches the gown. A fold-out fan is also a high class accessory. Pull your hair up into a snood (a traditional hair net to hold back the hair), a simple clip, or a bonnet or other hat to keep you cool for a summer Renaissance faire. [8] X Research source
Note that flat, practical shoes have the added real-world benefit of being more comfortable when walking around Renaissance faire grounds. Don’t worry too much about the authenticity or quality of shoes compared with the rest of the outfit, as they will mostly be hidden under long skirts anyway.
Avoid pants with pockets, zippers, or other closures or embellishments. Stick to only drawstrings at the waist and hem for closure. Cover the rest of the leg that is showing below your breeches with hose or wool socks, unless you are portraying an Irish or Scottish Renaissance man, for which bare legs were acceptable. [9] X Research source
Remember to favor simple colors and fabrics. Renaissance men’s shirts were typically cotton and off-white or beige in color. Opt for a shirt with no collar, a drawstring collar, a drop collar, or a high collar for an authentic look. [10] X Research source For a noble gentleman, the shirt may have lace details, or be made of silk.
A simple jerkin can look more simple and suitable for peasantry, or more formal and suited to nobility, depending on the style and quality of fabric. For an outfit for nobility, find a doublet in velvet or corduroy, and match the color of it to your breeches. [11] X Research source
Stick to sensible, durable shoes, preferably in leather. A peasant or tradesman might wear leather boots, while nobility might have short laced and polished shoes. Find sheaths or other holders for weapons to attach to your belt. Get costume weapons to comply with any safety standards the faire might have in place. No hat or a leather cap is acceptable for a peasant male. A floppy hat made of velvet or a hunter’s cap is appropriate for nobility. [12] X Research source
