Renaissance faires are always fun, but it can be hard to remember how to dress for one. There are so many costumes to choose from and factors to consider, that determining what to wear seems like a puzzle.
To dress for a Renaissance Faire, choose a costume that will fit the faire’s theme, then make it weather appropriate. You can add or subtract accessories and layers based on the day and weather conditions.
For those hoping to dress up for this year’s renaissance faire, here are some costume ideas and considerations.
What Are Some Appropriate Renaissance Faire Costumes?
Here are a few different costumes to get you started with what you want to be when you attend your next Renaissance Faire:
Princes and Princesses
This renaissance faire costume is somewhat of a given; the English Renaissance / medieval times were full of nobility! This costume is also relatively easy to put together, only requiring a medieval gown/doublet and appropriate accessories (i.e. headdresses or crowns).
However, keep in mind that English Renaissance princes and princesses looked quite different than the conventional ones you’d see in a Disney movie. They didn’t often wear fancy ballgowns or military uniforms; so make sure you do your research before you buy your costume!
The Knight in Shining Armor
If playing prince or princess isn’t your thing, then why not dress up as a knight? The traditional medieval knight was rather commonplace during the English Renaissance, and many places will sell knight costumes made of fabric or even metal!
Just remember to consider the weather before you buy your knight costume. If you know it’s going to be rather cold, for example, buy some wool underwear to wear under the costume. If you know it’s going to be hot, maybe reconsider buying a metal suit.
Pirates and Wenches
Okay, so pirates and wenches aren’t necessarily medieval – themed, but you’d be surprised at how popular those costumes are at renaissance faires. Some even have pirate-themed days where these kinds of costumes are encouraged!
What’s great about pirate and wench costumes is that there’s a lot of freedom in picking your outfit; you can dress up as a pirate king or a corseted swashbuckler, and you’d fit right in!
The Wandering Traveler
If you’re someone who prefers to wear loose, breathable clothing, then you might want to dress up as a wandering traveler. Long skirts and scarves, loose blouses and pants, and bright colors are all the rage for these kinds of costumes.
This is also known as a gypsy costume, but do note that the term “gypsy” can be interpreted as a derogatory term, so be careful with using that to describe your costume!
Fairies
Fairies didn’t exist during the English Renaissance either, but dressing like them is still popular regardless at renaissance faires! Fairies are a good costume idea if you’re the kind of person who goes all out in dressing up, from elaborate dresses and makeup to maybe even body paint.
Like pirates and wenches, dressing up as a fairy at a renaissance faire gives you plenty of options in regards to colors, makeup, and even hairstyles!
Peasants
You might be surprised to hear that dressing like peasants is a thing at renaissance faires, but it’s more common than you think. This is most likely because peasant costumes are among the easiest things to pull off!
All you need are dull, ankle-length clothes that seem like they were handed down from person to person. It’s that easy!
My Local Renaissance Faire Offers Costume Rentals. Is It Worth It?
Some renaissance faires will offer costume rentals, where you pay a rather small fee (around $30 – 70, depending on the type of costume) to rent a full costume for a set period of time (usually a week or so).
If you don’t intend to keep the costume you want to wear for a renaissance faire, only plan to visit for a day or two, and don’t mind the responsibility of not damaging a costume, then renting would definitely be worth it for you.
However, if you are someone who goes to the renaissance faire every week it is in town, are a rather messy person, or just want to own a good costume, then you’d be better off buying your costume or making one of your own.
How Can I Dress Appropriately for Weather at a Renaissance Faire?
Depending on the time of year you’re going to a renaissance faire, there are different weather conditions you should take into account for your costume, especially since most of the festivities will be outdoors!
In general, keep a close eye on the weather forecasts in the renaissance faire area. Nothing is worse than over or under dressing for the weather and being miserable all day or forgetting to bring proper rain attire
Hot Weather
If the weather at the renaissance faire is going to be rather hot, it’s okay to not wear some of the time appropriate garments, like petticoats and headdresses.
Be careful before you wear something tight and/or with long sleeves, too, as those can make you sweat easier with hot weather.
Cold Weather
There are plenty of thematically appropriate options for dressing for the cold weather! Maybe you can wear a matching cloak for your dress or wear a shirt under your pirate costume.
Long underwear is always a good bet if you’re dressing for the cold; no one will notice it! Just be sure to see how it looks and feels under your costume first.
What Should I Bring to the Renaissance Faire?
Aside from yourself and your costume, there are some other things you should bring with you to a renaissance faire:
- Comfortable Shoes. You may want to wear those cool boots that go oh so well with your costume, but keep in mind that you’ll be walking for a vast majority of your time at the renaissance faire. Bring some well-worn shoes along just in case!
- Cash and Debit / Credit Cards. There are so many cool things you can buy at a renaissance faire, from jewelry to clothing to even weapons! You will also need money for food, of course. Some vendors only take cash, so be sure to have some on you.
- A Portable Battery For Your Phone. Chances are you’re going to want to take LOTS of pictures at a renaissance faire, but your phone’s battery can drain faster than you think. Be sure to bring a portable battery and a charger to prevent your phone from dying!
- Sunscreen (if the Weather is Hot). Just like at other festivals, your skin can burn when you least expect it. Bring a travel – sized bottle of your trusty sunscreen and reapply it every couple of hours!
- A Poncho or an Umbrella. Most renaissance faires will operate rain or shine, and your costume can most definitely get wet in rainwater! Be sure to bring an umbrella and/or a poncho that can easily fit in your bag.
- A Bag You Can Fit on Your Shoulders, But isn’t Too Large. Not only will you be walking for most of your time at a renaissance faire, but large bags can look rather suspicious! Get yourself a small backpack or a drawstring bag for all your supplies.
- An Emergency Sewing Kit, if You Made Your Own Costume. Nothing’s worse than getting a sudden tear on your costume and having no way to fix it! You can easily buy miniature kits online or at any crafting store.
And there you have it: How to dress for a renaissance faire, with some other helpful tips along the way. Have fun getting your costume together!