Mock Garb For Women

Sometimes you just don't have time to sew a renaissance faire costume, or have it sent to you before you need it. Of course, you can always buy a costume while at the Renaissance faire, but you'll be subjected to inflated prices, and will have to find somewhere to store your mundanes (normal clothes) after you've changed into your new clothes.

If you become a regular attendee at Ren Faires, or plan to attend any SCA events, you'll want to make or buy proper garb. But if you simply want to join in the festivities, there are a few quick methods for making a passable costume.

Head: True, in period, women usually wore their heads covered. But this is Faire, and nothing is strictly period here. Feel free to let your hair loose, pull it into a braid, or sweep it into a knot. Snoods are cheap- often $6 for a crocheted snood. Look for people selling hats, or ask around.

Chemise: A belted long chemise can be your entire garb for the day if it fits right.

Option 1: A long nightdress with poofy sleeves and a hem that reaches your ankles. It has to be plain, no buttons, and no decoration. Cut off the neckline (try to make the edges one or two inches from the shoulder seam), and stitch bias tape around the new neckline. Thread yarn or ribbon through the bias tape to make a drawstring at the neck.

Option 2: A short chemise can be made by taking a peasant blouse and removing any buttons. Make holes where the buttons were, and lace up with ribbon. This needs to be paired with a skirt, or bloomers.

Skirt: Properly, the skirt should reach your ankles. However, if you're wearing bloomers underneath, you can use a shorter skirt and tuck one side into your belt.

Option 1: Plain broomstick, gypsy, or peasant skirts (without patterns!) can be used in a pinch.

Option 2: Grab a plain table cloth. Cut a hole in the middle. Stitch around it with bias tape, and thread through with ribbon to make a drawstring. If the skirt's too short, hike it up and stick on side in your belt. Actually, you could even cut the waistline (center circle) a bit off center to give your skirt a rogueish drape.

Belt: If you have a sash, this is the best time to wear it. Otherwise, grab a long scarf and wind it around your waist. Remember, for this time period, you want to use your natural waist, around your belly button level. Modern belts will not work, but if it's all you have, go ahead and use it. Just cover the buckle with a piece of small tapestry, or a belt pouch. Alternatively, you could loosely braid several ribbons together and use that as a sash.

Bloomers: Find a pair of loose fitting pants. Something without gathers or pleats (this is the only time patterns are permissible). Sweatpants work well, but may be hot.

Cut the pants off a bit below the knee, and stitch a deep hem. Make small holes in the sides to thread ribbon through. Use as a drawstring to make the pants poof out a bit.

Bodice: You can't mock this up. Luckily, most of us only wear them for the cleavage. They're not really necessary, just pretty.

Shoes: Believe it or not, almost any shoes are permissible. That said, sneakers should be avoided if possible. Moccasins are excellent, though you may get some guff if they have fringe. Ballet slipper type shoes are quite popular, whether they're made of satin or canvas. Crocs have become more popular among rennies since they make being on your feet all day a bit easier to handle- I recommend any of the clog styles.

Pouch: If you have a jewelry pouch- the kind that's a circle with lots of little pockets stitched around the sides, and uses a drawstring to gather up, that would be more than acceptable.

If you have time and fabric, try the Quick & Dirty Garb page for tips on making your own garb from scratch and without a pattern. Or, simply skip all that work altogether and buy cheap costumes. It's a lot easier, a lot less stressful, and probably costs the same as buying a renaissance costume pattern and fabric. The patterns alone can cost up to $10!