How to Make Renaissance Fair Costumes

Renaissance materials can be very luxurious.

Going to a Renaissance Fair (or Faire, as it is sometimes written) can be a great way to learn about history or to teach your children about history. Participating in one can be even more exhilarating as you joust, visit Renaissance merchants, and really experience the modern version of life as it was several centuries ago. If you are attending or working at a Renaissance fair, however, you will want to have the perfect costume to make your experience complete.

Things You'll Need

• Skirt, blouse, vest (for women)
• Pants, shirt, vest (for men)
• Shoes and various accessories as desired

Instructions

1. Research the kind of costume you want. Depending on your gender and the role you wish to play, your costume may vary considerably. If you just wish to be the average Renaissance woman, for example, you would need a long skirt, peasant blouse, and a lace-up vest, while men will need things such as loose pants and vests. To research the exact kind of outfit you will need, costume books, history books, and Internet websites can all help you learn about what was traditional in the Renaissance.

2. Start gathering the materials you already have. If you have any of the items you decided you need based on your research, you can save money by using them as part of your Renaissance fair costume.

3. Make a list of the costume parts you don't yet have and sources where you might find them. Simple items that are still worn today, such as long skirts, can easily be found in vintage or department stores. However, more old-fashioned items, such as lace-up corset-like vests, may require a trip to the costume shop or online boutiques. You can always make parts of your costume yourself, but plan in extra time if you want to do the sewing on your own.

4. Pick items that best fit in with Renaissance times. Fabrics like cotton, linen, or even silk if you are dressing as a wealthier Renaissance person work better than synthetic, contemporary materials. The bottom (pants or skirt) of your outfit should be dark, while your top should be light-colored but of heavy material if at all possible.

5. Assemble your outfit and accessorize. Flat shoes were customary for most people in Renaissance times, and women may find that boots work best and most authentically with their outfits. Women may also choose to add finishing touches like a wreath of flowers for their hair, depending on how elaborate they wish their Renaissance fair costume to be. Hats were common for men and women.

References

• Renstore
• Renfair: Renaissance Clothing Patterns