MEDIEVAL
Costumes we usually carry (all costumes subject to availability)
King
Queen
Knight
Royalty
Peasant
Hunter
Tavern Wench
Romeo and Juliet
Arthur and Guinevere
Henry VII & Anne Boleyn
Columbus
Merlin
Executioner
Royalty
Peasants
Robin Hood & Maid Marrianne
Costuming Details
These time frames encompass a vast period of time, fashion and clothing. In the interest of brevity, only those costumes commonly associated with Renaissance Faires is included on this page. If you are interested on a different time period or culture, please call the store, or come in for availability.
The difference between royal clothing and peasant is striking and obvious, no one should ever be able to mistake one for the other. In many Ren Faires, the color purple is reseved for the queen for theatrical reasons and no one else should wear it.
Men -
Peasant-
Boots, suede or leather, fringed moccasins are not appropriate, breeches in a neutral color, at knee or at ankle, tunic, open at throat to reveal chest hair, and a leather or suede jerkin (a long vest). Belts of braided rope or leather. Tall wool socks and a felt hunters cap complete this look. All rough type natural fabrics, such as cotton, linens and wool. Historical accuracy must note that linen was quite cheap during this period, however cotton was very expensive. Cordurouy is not acceptable, as in this time period it was made of velvet and the lines hand cut.
Royal-
Royal men's cloth was quite similar to the peasant wear, but the fabric would have been much better, silks, velvets, cordurouy, etc.. and the embellishments and color were very rich looking. Sleeves on the doublet, a type of vest, may be detachable, and the "pants" were often much shorter, similar in length to a pair of running shorts, and called "slops".
Women-
Peasant- A chemise, which is much like a long sleeved ankle length night gown, is worn first, with a good sturdy bodice, which may either lace with bow at top, or down with bow and strings tucked into waist band. An over skirt in a complimentary, though not necessarily matching, color to the bodice, a hat, often a muffin cap, or a biggins worn under a large straw hat, a good braided belt for hanging tankards pouches and tools, and a pair of thick socks with suede slippers.
Royal -
Period royal women's costumes would start with a corset, a chemise, a tightly laced bodice, an over dress, and expensive embroidered slippers. Hats were a must, no one goes bareheaded except the Irish and Scotts. Todays costume designs give you a similar look and line while eliminating much of the discomfort associated with authentic clothing, and Decades carries a wide assortment of royal women's gowns that are designed in one piece.
See our links page for a link to the Renaissance Pleasure Faire Incorporated Site which will help educate you on all things Faire. All costumes subject to availibility.