Garb Basics For Women


When you're putting together your first Renaissance faire costume, the choices may seem overwhelming. Luckily, there's not much that you can't do with 4 basic items. And best of all? They ****don't even have to match! ****


  1. Chemise
  2. This item is actually the most versatile. A long chemise can double as an entire set of garb, though it's not the most flattering way to go to faire. The best chemise for mixing and matching is what's referred to as a short chemise. You'll want a chemise that ends somewhere between the bottom of your hips and the top of your knees.
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  4. Bloomers
  5. Bloomers are not actually period to the renaissance era, but are commonly accepted at faires for their practicality. These poofy pants generally end just below the knee, and often have a trim of lace or are ruffled at the bottom.
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  7. Skirt
  8.  
    Ideally, the skirt should not have any patterns (unless it's plaid), and should reach to your ankles at minimum. It should be a bit bulky, and perhaps a bit unflattering when worn without something to cinch your waist. It doesn't have to be long if worn with bloomers and is often worn tucked up on one side when the weather is warm, but a long skirt is the most versatile.
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  10. Belt
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    Belts are necessary not just for defining the waist and cinching in loose clothing, but also to hang pouches from. Purses are not period, and pockets that are sewn into the clothing aren't either. Specifically, you'll want a leather belt that cinches by knotting through a D ring. Modern belt buckles should be hidden. Alternatively, a sash, ribbon, or other material (such as twine) can be used, but should suit the rest of the clothing. For example, you wouldn't want a twine belt with a silk chemise.

 

For the most part, shoes are considered invisible by faires (unless you're working there). We all know that proper renn shoes run over $100, sometimes reaching close to $1000, though usually falling in the $100-$300 range. Plain leather and suede shoes or boots are suitable for most occasions, as are ballet slipper type shoes in canvas or satin. Sandals are always acceptable, and often merchants will have cheap and expensive shoes to hand.


Hats are a wonderful addition to any set of garb, but are not strictly necessary. Short and long hair can be worn down, or braided, woven with ribbons, or wear a ring of poseys on your head. Ribbon can be woven through a headband for a quick fix. And, of course, there's always the merchants.


How To Mix & Match


With the 4 pieces outlined above, you can mix and match for most combinations of common renaissance faire costumes (garb).


1.) Wear chemise, bloomers, and skirt. Have the chemise tucked into the bloomers or skirt, and then loop one end of the skirt through the belt, leaving part of the bloomers exposed.

  • 2.) Wear chemise and skirt. Again, tuck chemise under skirt, but leave skirt down.
  • 3.) Wear chemise and bloomers. Leave chemise on the outside of the bloomers, and tighten belt. This gives a swashbuckler/pirate-y look.
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In addition to these items of clothing, you may want to add a bodice. They're not strictly necessary, but they do wonderful things to your figure. Plus a bodice can be worn in place of a chemise, so long as it's an above bust bodice. Underbust bodices and wide belts are to be worn over a chemise only.