Renaissance Faire Costume Ideas

Renaissance Faires, or Ren Faires, are events that usually take place over a weekend in the spring or summer.

Attendees dress up in renaissance style clothing, made from wool, linen, and leather and spending the day at the faire, engaging in activities such as archery, and fencing. There are also usually stages with musicians and actors performing skits or plays.

Many faires also have stalls selling food, drinks and red wine, as well as leather goods, swords, and other items. Some people even camp on site to really get into the spirit of things.

Renaissance Faires first became popular in the United States in the 1960s, although they have since spread to other countries around the world.

For many people, they provide a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and step into a different world for a few days.

Renaissance Faires typically take place over a weekend or several days, so there is plenty of time to enjoy all that they have to offer.

If you’re planning to attend a Renaissance Faire, it’s important to dress appropriately. Leather costumes are both comfortable and stylish, and they provide plenty of room for movement.

Tips for Choosing a Renaissance Faire Clothing

1. Choose an outfit that is comfortable and easy to move in.

There are a few key things to keep in mind that will help you choose the perfect outfit. First, consider comfort. You’ll be doing a lot of walking (and maybe even running) so make sure you pick an outfit that won’t leave you feeling hot and sweaty by the end of the day. Second, think about movement. If you’re planning on doing any dancing or other activities, make sure your costume won’t get in the way. And finally, don’t forget about style. Whether you want to go for a classic look or something more unique, make sure your costume reflects your personality

2. Wear layers so you can adjust your temperature as needed.

Consider the weather. If it’s going to be hot, you’ll want to wear light, breathable fabrics. If it’s going to be cold, layers will be your friend.

3. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen .

If you’ll be outside for a long time, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun. A hat will keep your head cool and sunscreen will help prevent sunburn.

4. Make sure your shoes are comfortable and won’t rub your feet raw .

You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. Avoid high heels or other shoes that might give you blisters.

5. Make sure your costume is well-constructed and looks authentic.

You don’t want to be the only one at the faire whose dress falls apart halfway through the day, or whose shoes look like they came from the local store.

6. Don’t forget to accessorize.

Renaissance Faires are the perfect opportunity to go all out with your outfit. Add some finishing touches with jewelry, belts, or other accessories.

7. Select a style that is appropriate for the era..

When attending a Renaissance festival, it’s important to keep in mind the era you are representing. For example, if you’re attending a faire that is focused on the Elizabethan era, your outfit should be appropriate for that time period. That means no jeans or t-shirts. Instead, dress in clothing that would have been worn during the Elizabethan era. Choose fabrics that are heavy and luxurious, like velvet or brocade. And don’t forget the jewels.

If you’re unsure about what to wear, keep reading for costume ideas.

What Did People Wear During the Renaissance Age?

Renaissance Faire costumes are still popular today. During the Renaissance, people took fashion very seriously. Clothes were a way to show wealth and status, and sumptuary laws regulated what certain classes of people were allowed to wear.

We aren’t pretending to be historical costuming experts, but below you’ll find a list of Renaissance outfits to help you put together an accurate costume.

• Among the nobility, men often wore close-fitting hose, breeches, and doublets. They also donned capes or cloaks in colder weather. Women’s clothing consisted of long dresses with corsets and petticoats.
• Both men and women wore gloves, belts, and other accessories. Shoes were usually made of leather.
• Pirates wore billowing shirts with ruffles or lace. They also donned baggy pants, boots, and belts. And of course, no pirate outfit would be complete without a bandana, a baldric, or an eye patch.
• Archers wore quilted jerkins to protect themselves from enemy arrows and quivers to hold their own arrows.
• knights wore armor to protect themselves in battle. They also donned capes or cloaks over their armor to keep warm. In addition, knights often carried shields, and swords.

Ideas for a Renaissance Faire Costume

Attendees of Renaissance Faires often dress up in period costumes to better immerse themselves in the experience. There are many different types of costumes to choose from, so it can be tricky to know what to wear. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry, here some ideas to choose from:

Viking Costume

The Viking costume is another popular choice. Consisting of a short, hoodless cloak, a tunic, and a pair of pants, this simple outfit is both practical and stylish.

The cloak is made from thick, durable fabric and can be worn in all weather conditions. The tunic is loose-fitting and typically falls to mid-thigh, while the pants are tight-fitting.

Viking costumes are often made from natural materials such as wool or leather. In addition, the simple design of the outfit makes it easy to put on and take off.

Pirate

A pirate costume is another popular choice for Renaissance festivals. Consisting of a shirt, pants, a vest, a sash, and a sword this outfit is always a hit.

The shirt is usually made from white or light-colored fabric and is loose-fitting. The pants are short and loose fitting, while the vest is typically made from wool or linen. The bandana is worn around the head and can be used to protect the face from dust and dirt. The sword (hung from a stylish leather Baldric) is an essential part of any pirate costume and helps to complete the look.

Ranger/Knight/Huntsman

While not technically historical, the rangers of Tolkien and Dungeons & Dragons are a very popular option for faire costume.

Ranger gear can be as simple or complicated as you like, generally consisting of pants, tunic, Jerkin, and Cloak. A sturdy pair of boots, belt, and Belt pouch top off this costume nicely.

Some slight variation to the costume can achieve a more historical look. Ditching the hooded cloak and jerkin for a Simple hood is a perfect medieval peasant/huntman costume, whereas pairing a linen Surcoat with some armor pieces is an excellent knights costume.

Renaissance Children

Ren Faire children typically dress up as peasants, nobles, or merchants. If you’re looking to dress your child as a peasant, start by finding a simple shirt and pants. The shirt and pants should be made from a light fabric such as cotton or linen, and they should be a solid color.

You can also add a touch of authenticity to the outfit by braiding the child’s hair, or pairing their outfit with a child size hooded cloak.

Do’s and Don’ts for Your Renaissance Faire Costume

If you’re planning on attending Renaissance festivals, there are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing your costume.

First of all, don’t wear anything that’s too modern. Leave the jeans and sneakers at home and opt for something that would be appropriate for the time period.

Second, make sure your outfit is comfortable. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so it’s important to be able to move around freely.

Third, have fun with it. Don’t take yourself too seriously, after all, it’s just a bit of lighthearted fun. So go ahead and dress up as your favorite medieval character and enjoy the faire.

5 Easy and Affordable Ways to Create a Renaissance Faire Costume

1. Scour your local thrift store for an old-fashioned dress or tunic. A little bit of dirt and wrinkles will only add to the authenticity of your outfit.

2. Head to the dollar store and buy some fake jewels or costume jewelry. Whether you drape yourself in pearls like a wealthy noble or go for a more rustic look with some wooden beads, a few well-chosen accessories can make all the difference.

3. Invest in a good pair of walking shoes. No one wants to hear you complain about your feet hurting after walking around all day in uncomfortable shoes. Plus, comfortable shoes will help you avoid blisters, which can really ruin your day.

4. Make your own shield out of cardboard or plywood. You can either paint it yourself or find someone who’s willing to do it for you.

5. Don’t forget the details. A good belt, some gloves, and a mysterious hooded cloak can each help you pull off that perfect Renaissance Faire look.

Gender Neutral Renaissance Faire Outfits

If you’re looking for a gender-neutral outfit for the Renaissance Faire, there are plenty of options to choose from.

For instance, you could go as a jester or a musician. Both of these roles were often performed by women and men alike during the Renaissance period.

Alternatively, you could dress as a peasant. This is another role that was not exclusive to one gender. In fact, many peasants were women who worked alongside their husbands in the fields.

How Expensive is a Renaissance Faire Costume?

Renaissance Faire costumes can vary widely in price, depending on the style and complexity of the costume. Simple peasant costumes can be put together relatively cheaply, while more elaborate costumes can be quite expensive.

It’s also important to factor in the cost of any rental fees for items such as armor or weapons if you’re planning on participating in any Renaissance Faire activities. Overall, you can expect to spend anywhere from $50-$200 on a Renaissance Faire costume.

Where Can I Get Leather Accessories for My Renaissance Faire Costume?

What’s a Renaissance Faire costume without the right accessories? Fortunately, there are plenty of places to find everything you need to complete your look. Whether you’re looking for a sword or a scepter, a cape or a crown, you should be able to find what you need to make your costume truly authentic. A perfect place to start is Grommet’s Leathercraft where you can find a wide selection of high-quality leather accessories including:

• Archery Gear
• Armor
• Sword Gear
• Clothing accessories like hooded cloaks, leather plague doctor masks, mantle gorgets, pirate baldrics, and more.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect finishing touch for your costume or you’re just getting started, Grommet’s Leathercraft is a great place to find what you need.