What to Wear to a Renaissance Faire

The English Renaissance was a period of cultural and artistic growth that took place in England from the late 15th century to the early 17th century. It was marked by a renewed interest in classical learning and by a flowering of creativity in many different fields, including painting, poetry, music, and architecture.

Renaissance Faires are modern-day events that seek to recreate the atmosphere of the English Renaissance. They usually feature a wide variety of attractions, including music, dance, food, and crafts. Many people dress up in Renaissance-style clothing for these events, and some even participate in historical reenactments.

When planning to visit a Renaissance Faire, it’s best to blend in with the other guests by wearing renaissance era appropriate clothing. While “Ren Faire” attire can be found at many Halloween stores, there are a few ways to source more authentic-looking pieces.

Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Go to a Renaissance Faire

If you’re considering attending a Renaissance Faire, there are a few things you should know first.

For starters, be prepared to see a lot of people in costumes. While some attendees will be dressed as nobles or knights, others will be decked out in traditional garb. And don’t be surprised if you see a few people dressed as dragons or wizards – after all, this is a fantasy event.

In addition to the Renaissance Festival costumes, you can expect to see plenty of booths offering everything from hand-crafted jewelry to turkey legs. There are also usually musicians and other performers providing entertainment throughout the day.

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

So you’ve decided to take the plunge and attend your first Renaissance Faire. Now comes the hard part: figuring out what to wear. Here are a few tips to help you create the perfect Renaissance Faire costume.

Do: Research the time period you’re interested in. The Renaissance era was a long and varied period, so it’s important to choose a specific time and place to base your costume on. This will help you narrow down your choices and make sure your outfit is as authentic as possible.

Don’t: forget about practicality. Yes, you want to look like you stepped out of a time machine, but that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice comfort for style. Make sure your clothing is breathable and easy to move in, especially if you’ll be spending hours walking around in the hot sun.

With these tips in mind, you’re sure to create the perfect Renaissance Faire costume.

Basic Ren Faire Costumes

There are few things more fun than dressing up in a Renaissance Faire costume and spending a day immersed in another time period. However, picking the right costume can be daunting, especially if you’re on a budget. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to put together a great Renaissance costume without spending a fortune. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

For ladies, a simple dress or skirt and blouse combination can be easily turned into a Renaissance-worthy ensemble with the addition of some accessories like a jeweled headband or belt. These can really bring the look together without breaking the bank.

For men, trousers, a shirt and maybe a hooded cloak are all you really need to get the basics of a Renaissance costume. Add in a swordbelt or a vest, and you’re good to go. And don’t forget a hat. If you really want to stand out, try adding some embroidery or lace to your outfit. A little bit of flair can go a long way at a Renaissance Faire.

A sword or dagger is always impressive, as is a feathered cap. By getting creative with your costume and accessorizing on a budget, you can ensure that you’ll have a great time at the Renaissance Faire without breaking the bank.

Ideas for Elaborate Renaissance Faire Costumes

No detail was too small to escape the notice of Renaissance designers, who used clothing to communicate status, convey messages, and even express religious beliefs. From the opulent gowns of nobility to the simple tunics of peasants, each garb was a work of art.

The fabrics were often exquisitely embroidered, and the cut of the clothing was designed to flatter the wearer’s figure. Even the simplest fashions conveyed a sense of style and refinement.

In a world where image was everything, it’s no wonder that people went to such great lengths to create the perfect outfit.

And while there are endless possibilities when it comes to your ensemble, there are a few key items that every self-respecting Ren Faire enthusiast should have in their wardrobe. For starters, no self-respecting adventurer would be caught without a trusty sword by their side. But in order to carry your weapon in style, you’ll need a scabbard and baldric. For those who prefer ranged weapons, a quiver is essential for carrying your arrows. And of course, no costume is complete without some armor. To protect your arms and legs, you’ll need greaves, shoulders and vambraces

Lastly, don’t forget to keep warm with a wool hooded cloak. If your event is in a warmer time of the year, a linen cloak will help you achieve the look while keeping you from overheating. With these key items in your repertoire, you’ll be ready for any Renaissance Faire adventure that comes your way.

If you’re looking to really wow the crowds at the Renaissance Faire, then an elaborate costume is just what you need. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

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.

Where Do I Buy Renaissance Garb?

When it comes to finding the perfect Renaissance garb, there are a few different options available. You can rent or buy clothing from a costume rental shop, or you can purchase clothing from an online retailer.

If you’re planning on attending multiple Renaissance Faires or events, then it might be worth considering purchasing your own clothing. This way, you’ll always have the perfect outfit on hand and you won’t have to worry about renting or returning clothing after each event.

And don’t forget to accessorize! The right accessories can really help to pull your whole look together. Visit Grommet’s Leathercraft for all of your Renaissance garb needs. We have a great selection of clothing and accessories that will help you create the perfect look for any Renaissance event.