While many people associate costumes with children and the Halloween tradition of trick-or-treating, increasing numbers of adults are rediscovering the joy that comes from dressing in period costumes. Thanks to the influence of Renaissance Faires and the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), adults are embracing costumes and accessories that hearken back to the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance of the 14th through the 17th centuries.
Historic Celebrations
During the Renaissance (which literally means "rebirth"), shifting perspectives in philosophy, art, literature, science, and religion had a tremendous impact in Europe, the effects of which are felt to this day. Today's Renaissance Faires capture the essence of that time, with an abundance of music, entertainment, art, and food that celebrate the eras in which they're set. While many Renaissance Faires are set in the England's Elizabethan Era, others find their inspiration in the French Renaissance or in pirate themes of the18th century.
Similarly, the Society for Creative Anachronism honors the Middle Ages and Renaissance by researching and creating personas who would have lived during those times. Artisans, combatants, cooks, and others diligently perfect their characters, and gather together - in SCA garb and sometimes with SCA armor - to celebrate with historical accuracy.
Finding the Right Costumes
Whether you're attending a weekend Renaissance Faire or are steeped in the SCA culture, the right costumes enrich and enhance your experience. Watching men battle with medieval swords or attending a medieval wedding is simply more meaningful when your appearance blends in with the era. Because it's not always easy to achieve historical accuracy, it's helpful to find a merchant who can reliably guide you to the proper apparel and accessories. Thanks to the Internet, it's never been easier to find sources to help you in your quest.
For example, the best online stores will help women find the right undergarments (like chemises, hoopskirts, bloomers, and corsets) to wear under their dresses, skirts, or ball gowns. Men can find everything from vests and doublets to puffy-sleeved shirts and breeches. Pirate costumes, Scottish clothing and kilts, and children's costumes are also available from the right online Renaissance stores.
Accessories are a Must
When you're dressing for a particular era, accessories complete your look. For example, Renaissance clothing tends not to have pockets, so a pouch is the perfect accessory to carry your necessities. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, hats were de rigueur, so you'll need to find the proper cap, beret, snood, veil, or hood.
While well-choreographed battles are part of the Renaissance Faire experience, and SCA events are fraught with well-trained warriors, weaponry can also be a costume accessory. Accessory weapons don't need to be functional; indeed, they must only fit in with the era you're recreating. Look online to find sources of mini collector weapons, weapon carriers and belts, and accessory swords.
Making Your Own
Once you begin attending Medieval or Renaissance events, the chances are good that you'll want to expand your wardrobe using techniques from the era. The best online sources offer an array of costume patterns for everything from Tudor and Elizabethan gowns to corsets and tunics.
When it comes to Renaissance costumes and SCA garb, you'll find the best prices and largest selection online. Whether you're looking for medieval swords, pirate costumes, SCA armor, or the perfect outfit for a medieval wedding, the right online source will have exactly what you need. Here are just a few examples:
Hats ? Men's Renaissance costumes aren't complete without the proper headgear. An ostrich plume exudes flair, while a fold-up leather hat lends authenticity for rangers, vagabonds, and foresters. A Russian sheepskin had will keep you warm in the coldest of climes, while a cavalier hat is a basic necessity for peasants and royalty. Both men and women appreciate Elizabethan caps, and a snood or a cap is a must have for women.
Swords and Weapons ? Medieval swords are but one type of weapon carried by SCA members and those who participate in reenactments. There are also daggers, knives, maces, and rapiers, as well as scabbards and small collector weapons.
Armor ? Medieval or sport combat requires the right SCA armor, and a comprehensive online source will fit your needs. Whether you need a 12-, 14-, or 16-gauge helmet, or tabards, surcoats, and armor bags, you can find equipment that looks good and fits properly.
Boots and Shoes ? From pirate boots to formal 15th century shoes, you should be able to find a wide range of sturdy footwear to complement your outfit. Along the same lines, the right online source will also provide you with socks and tights appropriate to the era.
Costume Patterns ? If you're handy with a sewing machine, or want to be truly authentic and create your Renaissance costume by hand, it helps to have the right pattern. You should be able to find patterns for corsets, cotehardies, houpelandes, and gowns, as well as patterns for tunics and military garments.
Wedding Items ? If you're planning a medieval wedding, a good online source will have wedding accessories and attendant gifts, wedding books, and wedding tableware. You should also be able to find clothing for all members of the wedding party.
Tableware ? No reenactment is complete without a feast, and the best online sources have a variety of tableware that will fit both the era and the occasion. From sand-cast pewter ware to wooden tableware, from goblets to centerpieces, your feast can be picture perfect.
Jewelry ? Renaissance costumes simply aren't complete without the right jewelry. Online, you can find a wide assortment of anklets, earrings, necklaces, rings and pendants, as well as hair jewelry, cloak clasps, and brooches. Girdles, chain belts, and belt buckles are also available.
Other Resources ? Dressing the part is one thing, but speaking it is another. Look for an online source that truly understands the culture surrounding SCA and Medieval reenactments, and that can provide you with resources on creating personas, speaking in an authentic dialect, and planning medieval celebrations.
The right online source for Renaissance costumes, SCA garb, and medieval reenactments not only saves you time and money, but can also offer you a full range of products that can enrich your experience.