Renaissance Costume
From LoveToKnow Costumes
A Renaissance costume can be an expensive item to purchase. The cost can vary depending on how intricate the costume is and what type of fabric was used to make it. However, it can be something that can get a lot of use - especially for someone who likes to attend or participate in Renaissance festivals dressed in character.
Renaissance Festivals
Many of the major cities across the world host an annual Renaissance festival, which usually includes authentic Renaissance-era food, theatrical performances, shopping, and other events typical of this period. People who work at the festival are usually required to wear traditional Renaissance costumes so that they look authentic. It's not unusual for visitors to these festivals to also dress in costumes. People who attend in costumes do so because it's fun to have an excuse to dress in this sort of fancy attire at least once a year. Many are also history buffs who enjoy recreating this important period.
Clothing Reflected Social Status
During the Renaissance period, a stranger could easily tell the social status of any person by looking at his or her clothing. Wealthy people wore clothing made out of the nicest fabrics and dyed the deepest, richest colors. Some of the most expensive fabrics during this period were cotton, velvet and corduroy. The fabric colors that were most exquisite were purple and crimson.
When choosing a Renaissance costume, it's important to keep these factors in mind because the look of the costume will tell others a great deal about what sort of character the costume-wearer wants to portray. For example, a costume made of reddish velvet portrays a person of wealth, and a person dressed in a Renaissance costume made of wool or linen will represent a Renaissance "commoner."
About Colors
When deciding what color fabric is best for a Renaissance costume, it's important to remember a few things. First, during the Renaissance period, the color purple was only to be worn by the Queen. Therefore, most authentic-looking costumes today are not made with this color fabric, unless the person wants to dress as royalty. Normal costume colors are brown, green and any other "earthy" color. Bright colors are definite no-nos.
Renaissance Costumes for a Man
A typical Renaissance costume for a man includes the following:
- A full-bodied long sleeve shirt.
- A loose fitting, sleeveless vest.
- Non-form fitting pants that are below the knee, but not to the ankle.
- Socks (pulled up so that none of the legs show).
- A belt and a pouch.
Renaissance Costumes for a Woman
A typical Renaissance costume for a woman includes the following:
- A chemise (shirt).
- A bodice.
- A long skirt that is full and has no decorations or patterns.
Costume Accessories
Renaissance costumes need only a few accessories. Hats are very important and shoes must be worn to make the costume look authentic. Women during the Renaissance era did not wear very much make-up, nor did they wear jewelry.
Where to Purchase
Renaissance costumes are very popular, and they are available for purchase at most costume stores. Many internet-only stores sell such costumes year-round.
Following are just a few stores that have a large selection of Renaissance costumes for sale:
- Costumes for Less
- Lady and the Fool Fyne Renaissance Clothier's
- Costumes Inc.
- Annie’s Costumes.com
- Renaissance Costumes Clothing
Renaissance costumes can also be hand made by using a pattern and sewing instructions. Patterns are available at several fabric and craft stores, such as Joanne Fabric & Crafts and Michaels.
This page has been accessed 6,232 times. This page was last modified 21:37, 4 November 2007.
© 2006-2008 LoveToKnow Corp.
