In the wize wurds of Mistress Chas,

“Tis unavoidable that the body may suffer the ardent fever of outrageous heat! But, to be poked, jabbed, pinched, or rubbed-raw is RIGHT OUT!!!!”

Most Renaissance Faires are held during Warm Seasons or in HOT climates.
(Tis bettah than braving SNOW, and more conducive to wearing daringly-brief costumes!)
Heat is easily borne, however.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Costumes that constantly require fussing-with (tucking in, pulling up, disentangling, rearranging) – costumes that poke or pinch or jab or rub-you-raw – should be
AVOIDED like the PLAGUE, no matter HOW “cool” they look!

Certainly, the more “authentic” your costume, the more attention and fun you’ll garner. But, if you spend your life savings on your costume, you’ll have less $$ to spend having fun at the Faire. (FIE ON THAT!)

Anything with a “gypsy” … or “peasant” … or “antique” … or, just “costumey” appearance will do. Do NOT feel compelled to do the “Robin Hood” or “Maid Marion” gig – unless you’ve got that kind of stuff available to you. Be creative! Be wild! Be Daring! Be a WENCH! (Or a Himbo!)

Here tis a pic showing a Variety o’ Right-Wenchly (Yet Tres SIMPLE!) Attyre! (Notice that even the wearing o’ Sunglasses DON’T MATTAH!)

Mistress Jacki went to a Vintage Clothing & Costume Shop to RENT her “Renaissance” attire. Originally, she also wore a long-haired WIG. (She had been advised that Renaissance Women always had long hair!) The wig was hot, and sweaty, and sticky. It slipped about and required frequent fussing-with. But, contrary to the costume vendor’s admonitions, the flippin’ wig was not – at all – necessary! Thankfully, Jacki quickly realized that, and ditched the wig! Bravo!

Lady Liz is wearing mostly “Hippie” stuff culled from her closet! Additionally, she found an old, lace “snood” (a crocheted hair net) stashed away in storage. After tying a Mexican shawl around her waist and adding some gypsy jewelry, she was not – at all – “authentic” to any particular time period. But, ‘Zounds! Twas a Right-Wenchly Look, twas it not?!!!

Madame Kim is wearing my “Fantasy Gypsy” creation. The colors are pastel, and bright. Such colors are – technically – completely “WRONG” for Gypsy or Renaissance attire! (Supposedly, only “dirt” or “earth” colors were worn by peasants or gypsies.) As you can see, however, she looked right-Wenchly! (Are you beginning to pick up on the “IT DON’T MATTAH?!” aspect of successful and fun Renaissance Costumes? I hope so!!!)

Mistress Konni is wearing my “Scottish-Gypsy Morph” outfit from 1998 – sans my tartan sash. This outfit is completely unrelated to any particular time period or historical-reality. It has some Scottish aspects … some Gypsy aspects ... lots of lace and ribbon that is completely inappropriate to a “peasant” (peasants apparently didn’t DO lace!). Hence, my “Scottish-Gypsy Morph” title!

Lady Nancy

is my FAVORITE example of the “Use-What-You’ve-Got” Right-Wenchly attire ethic! All she could find to wear was this “Little House on the Prairie” dress. Upon her arrival, she was terrifically embarrassed about wearing it. FIE! As you can see, “It Didn’t MATTAH!” She looked Right-Wenchly in her Prairie dress! After we convinced her of this, Nancy quickly realized that what she wore was just as FUN as anyone else’s costume (and a wholehelluva lot COOLER & more comfortable than most)!

Wenches – Rogues, too! – should “Spice-Up” any costume with scarves, shawls, ribbons, lace … wear lots of jewelry … tie noisy stuff (like bells) to your belt, or wrists, or ankles … do whatevah you feel like doing!

For footwear = SANDALS!!!

Small musical instruments are
WONDERFUL to have along.

Himbos, Lords, Louts, Knights — MALE Costumes:

Obviously, TIGHTS are quite wonderful, but certainly NOT “mandatory!”
(A Ren Fest is likely the ONLY place youz guyz can wear tights in a “heterosexual” manner!)
So, if you’ve got it, “Robin Hood” stuff is great.
Otherwise, consider wearing Peasant stuff … Pirate attire …
Star Wars Stuff … Dracula costumes … ANYTHING!

A simple SHERT or TUNIC is easy to make for a Peasant, Page, or “Knight.”

“TABARDS”or “TUNICS” may be simple or ELABORATE Yet, even “elaborate” Tunics or Tabards can be made relatively cheaply. Complex Patterns are available at fabric stores. (OR! See my GARMENT DIRECTIONS & PATTERNS page for simple directions to make these things!)

(I made this “Elaborate” TABARD, it’s POUCH & VAMBRACES, for my nephew – without a Pattern!)

After securing a Shert, Tunic or Tabard, Men can wear baggy knee-length shorts,
or cut an old pair of slacks off at the knees.
Truly BRAVE “Lords” or “Knights” must be daring enough to wear TIGHTS!
If they’re REALLY MANLY, they’ll also wear “Cod Pieces” (or brightly-colored “flaps”!) I’d be happy to share my THOUGHTS with you about how to “easily” make a Cod Piece (I’ve never done it – as yet – but I’ve got IDEAS!!!) — Email me!

As before: Sandals or moccasins work fine for male foot wear (even with tights) …
boots are great … whatevah!
Men & Boyz can even wear their beat-up running shoes if they want to.
(Just make sure their socks are pushed DOWN!)

Pouches … Purses … “Sporrans” — whatevah you want to call them — One way or another, you needs must have SOMETHING to carry your supplies and cash in! Pockets aren’t usually built into Renaissance costumes – and if the ARE, they’re simply NOT big enough.

I prefer TYING a pouch around my waist. (To avoid having something hanging over my shoulder, which I’ll have to fuss with and might lose!) If you’ve got an old, over-the-shoulder pouch/purse; wrap electrical tape around the mid-point of the string/strap (to “seal” the ends) and cut it through the middle of the taped portion. Then, tie it around your waist.

For men (or women) you can make pouches with a SLEEVE attached to the back, so a sash or belt can be slipped through the sleeve. They can be incredibly simple, or yummily elaborate – your choice.

The “M’lady Dawn” Model “… a solid Brocade bodice … laced up the front, sides and shoulders …” THIS is the BODICE I BOUGHT!

Ooooh! Myne “FIRST” Favorite BODICE SOURCE: Is no longer Available! (Fie!) HOWEVER! I’ve found a NEW, EQUALLY – FANTABULOUS BODICE MAKER: Mistress Devlyn o’ ODD BODKINS Bodices!

The M’Lady Jennifer Model … “Brocade bodice with Floral style Tapestry panels” I LIKED IT SO MUCH I BOUGHT THIS ONE, TOO – to LOAN OUT!

Here Are Some Other BODICE LINKS If you really don’t like ODD BODKINS!

Highland Rags This web site seems too gude to be true! Verily, they request TONS o’ measurements from you, before you can order clothing. This says (to me!) that they make stuff that FITS WELL!!! (What a Concept!) I haven’t used them – Yet! But, I have referred Mistress Jacki to them. I’ll keep you apprised. Some text from their site: “At least half of the gowns we do are "SPECIAL ORDER", don't hesitate to inquire about a fabric choice, color, or even a style change for one of the gowns. We even have customers who send us pictures of gowns they'd like us to duplicate. We love doing it!” Their Prices? Check out the description of their “Highland Lass” Costumes (at Right) I think ‘tis RIGHT CHEAP!

Left view split overskirt, right view full overskirt. On order form indicate your preference. Both come complete with chemise, overskirt, lace-up bodice and shawl! List Price: $165.00”

(B) Country Maid Skirt with Integral Bodice. Bodice and attached skirt made of durable 100% cotton. Bodice is laced to fit with brass grommets, and full skirt is split down the front to show a modest peek of muslin underdress (see C). Sizes Sm., Med., Lg. or XL. Choose Black, Red or Emerald Green. $70

Lady Bet’s Costume is a “Country Maid Skirt with Integral Bodice” (pictured at left) that she obtained last year from Museum Replicas They offer “Swords & Daggers, Axes & Polearms, Clothing & Accessories, Armour, Helmets & Shields, Books & Decorations, Fantasy.” Check out the Suede Leather Mercenary Wench costume they offer for a mere $116.95!!! (At right.)

“Ladies, we all know that you're part goddess, part seductress, and part warrior, so why not dress the part? In this supple suede leather, two-piece number you can really change the mood at any costume event. Consisting of an attractively brass studded leather short dress and dagged overskirt, this fantasy ensemble is supremely comfortable and durable. Black only. Choose S/M or L/XL. $110 ($6.95 s/h)”

DOMBA “An Internet shop for Gypsy and Belly Dancer’s costumes, jewelry, accessories, and instruments.”

Turkish scoop vest: $65