Authentic Renaissance Clothing: Ideas for your Medieval Costumes

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One thing that really characterizes the clothing of the Renaissance Era is their extravagance. The outfits of the Renaissance men and women, particularly the gowns of the women, are noted for their materials – they are usually made from the most expensive clothes of the time like silk, velvet and brocade. So if you’re planning to garb yourself like a Renaissance girl or Renaissance lad for that upcoming costume party, you have to pay particular attention to the materials of the costume that you’ll be wearing. How should authentic Renaissance clothing look, anyway?

First things first, there should be the extravagance factor. Lavish is an adjective that is often associated with the outfits of the Renaissance Era as clothes during those times signifies social status. Your costume should be as elaborately designed as possible with that meticulous, if not obsessive, attention to details.

For women, there’s the multi-layered gown and the ornate headdress. The usual Renaissance dress color is purple, burgundy, gold and variations of other rich colors. The layers usually include a bodice, a corset, hoops and collars. The gown is tight at the waist with a full skirt and wide sleeves. You could also get away with the cuffed sleeves and wide-shouldered gowns. Shoes are flat with wide toes. And don’t forget your choices among headdresses – you can choose among those feathered hats, hennins or coifs.

For the men, the authentic Renaissance clothing also rivals the gowns of the women in terms of details and showiness. They are also made of the silk, satin and velvet and are often made to accentuate the body shape of the man. Going to the party as a Renaissance gentleman? You can pull it off with a padded shoulder tops and tunic matched with the standard breeches. And of course, don’t forget the white hose (knee socks, if you want) coupled with the tall wide-toed leather shoes.

Of course, this lavishness with clothes is exclusive to the nobility alone. The lower classes had plainer clothes signifying their status in the society. If you want to go to the party as a Renaissance commoner or peasant woman, a simple bodice with a floor-length skirt commonly made of wool will do the part. The common color for the common people’s clothing is brown.

If you want to dress up as a peasant man, a woolen long-sleeved white top paired with black baggy pants and brown wide-toed shoes could be your choice.

Of course, you shouldn’t forget the accessories that should come with your costumes especially for the men. Don’t forget the hats, the berets and the hoods. If you’re opting for the peasant look, complete the look with an axe or other tools. The Renaissance gentleman, meanwhile, can carry a sword.

Finally, for the ultimate finishing touch to your full authentic Renaissance clothing act, do the look that you’re posing. Talk and walk like a Renaissance gentleman and be as lithe and shy as the Renaissance noblewoman. To get more ideas on Renaissance costumes, browse through online sites that give free tips and ideas on the trendiest Renaissance costumes today.

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