Garb Basics For Men

There's good news, and there's bad news. The bad news is, renaissance faire costumes (garb) can be really expensive. The good news is, you only need three pieces to get started.

1. The Shirt
2.  
   Sometimes also known as a chemise (for both men and women), you'll just need a basic, standard shirt. The more decorative you get the more you'll pay.
3.  
   Plain white is the most common and the most popular, plus it'll go with everything. Black is the second most common and popular, followed by red, green, and blue, with yellow, purple, and tan hiding in the corners.
4.  
   You'll want to choose a shirt with minimum ruffles and less puffy sleeves (these increase cost, and are often referred to as pirate or poet shirts). A shirt that laces in front is most desirable, particularly in the hot months when you'll be glad you can bare your chest.
5.  
6. Pants/Trousers
7.  
   Sometimes referred to as trews or pantaloons. A kilt can be a wonderful thing, particularly for those fond of (ahem) kilt checks. However, kilts don't go with everything, and if you're trying to build a set of garb from the ground up, you're better off waiting on the kilt. Besides, not everyone's legs look good in a kilt.
8.  
   For trousers, you'll want them to be roomy. If you want to show off your thighs, stick to tights (and don't buy them from the women's stocking area- you don't want them to be see through!). Length can vary from just below the knee to below your ankles. ( Pumpkin pants or as I call them: medieval shorts, are pricey and limit the rest of your garb.  Plus, you'll need tights to go under them) I recommend having them stop just below the knee, since most renaissance faires are held in the summer, and rolling the hem looks just as ridiculous in the 1600's as it does now.
9.  
10. Belt
11.  
    Ideally, your belt should be made of brown or black leather, and cinch by knotting around a D ring. You don't want a modern belt buckle, but they can be hidden with a proper belt pouch.
12.  

    The belt is not just for defining your waist in full clothing- pockets in clothing are not period, and any bulges under all that cloth will be (cough) suspicious, so you'll need something to hang your pouches from.

Shoes are considered more or less invisible at renaissance faires, unless you happen to work there. We know that proper renn footwear often runs between $100 and $500, so most people will not kick up a fuss no matter what shoes you wear.

However, leather shoes or boots (preferably with a minimum of buckles) are the best. Moccasins are very common, though the fringe is not period. In a pinch, you can wear your Reeboks into the faire, and purchase something more suitable while you're there.

Hats and other accessories are not necessary, but can totally alter the appearance of your garb.