Medieval Costumes

The summer Renaissance faire season is behind, but there are still plenty of ways to find the opportunity to wear Renaissance dresses and act the part of a noble lady. Creating a realistic character, though, involves putting on the right outfit and the right airs. Whether you are mingling with other Medieval minded friends or whether you are acting before a crowd of school children, be sure that you are in character before they see you.

You can practice ahead of any formal event so that your accent is fresh and your Renaissance dresses ready. You can make sure there aren’t problems with your garb. Check to be sure there isn’t any insect infestation. While you may not have the outfits stored for winter because of pending engagements, you can still do your best to keep critters at bay by keeping dryer sheets in the storage area. Check out hair styles, crowns, trinkets and wigs in advance. If you are learning a part, run through it with a friend or family member. If you must simply be prepared to act noble, spend plenty of time preparing. At your events, make sure that you concentrate on the accent you are going to use.

The holiday season isn’t far off, and a Renaissance costume is a fantastic choice of gifts for a loved one who enjoys Medieval themes and events. Whether that person already owns some Medieval garb or whether you are thinking about gifting that first outfit, the surprise will be fantastic. You can consider a variety of costume possibilities, and it’s also fun to include accessories.

You might want to think about a noblewoman’s gown for a daughter who is majoring in literature. Perhaps you will want to find a pirate’s costume for your own buccaneer. You can find a huge selection of crowns and hats to accompany a Renaissance costume when you search a site like PearsonsRenaissanceShoppe.com. You’ll find necklaces and tiaras for women. You’ll find dashing boots for men. You’ll even find costume choices in sizes that are appropriate for kids. Combine a costume gift for a spouse with travel brochures for popular Renaissance festivals and SCA events in the coming year. Outfit the kids with costumes, and provide them with books and movies reflecting the period. Encourage creativity, putting on a Renaissance party as a Christmas Eve season. Though the faire season has ended, the holidays are perfect for indulging a Medieval passion.

As October sets in, so do the lower temperatures. For the Live Action Role Players out there, this means cold days and even colder nights. Since most LARPs operate through the night, role players need to be able to stay warm to continue enjoying the game. PearsonsRenaissanceShoppe.com has a number of different Medieval Winter Cloaks that you can match to any costume or character.

For example:

Perhaps your character is of noble descent and you want that reflected in your costume. A simple and mundane cloak simply will not do. Something more long the lines of this Medieval Duke’s Cloak will help delineate your status.

Maybe your character does not care for the troubles of the Highborn Lords. Maybe you’ve learned that the key to survival is sneaking and stealing so that you can enjoy life on your own terms. If that be the case, then this Rogue’s Black Hooded Cloak may pique your interest.

Does you character take to the woods? Do you like tracking down enemies, hunting wild game for food, and scouting out for danger? If so, then a Green Wool Cloak can help you blend in easily with the camouflage that nature has to offer.

Regardless of your character’s position or intent, one thing is for sure: These cloaks will keep you warm as the temperatures continue to drop.

If you’ve been invited to a costume party, it’s time to get creative and come up with a great outfit idea. It is likely that you will see an assortment of super heroes, science fiction characters, scantily-clad animals and walking plays on words. The last thing you want to do at a costume party is blend in. Make a statement with stunning Medieval costumes from Pearson’s Renaissance Shoppe. You can become a regal queen, a knight in shining armor, a scurvy pirate or a common bar wench, among many other options. From leather doublets to silver circlets, we have the costume items for which you are looking.

Department store costumes can be itchy, uncomfortable and unrealistic, so you might not feel like you’ve gotten your money’s worth. That is why Pearson’s takes pride in offering high-quality clothing and accessory items that look and feel fantastic. They will hold up far longer than one costume party or season. You will steal the show at your next costume party in one of our Medieval costumes. We have a wide selection of Renaissance apparel for men, women and children, so you are almost certain to find items you will be thrilled to wear, no matter your age.

Renaissance faires are a popular Autumn activity around the globe. The allure of the Renaissance is appealing to many people, and it beckons visitors to participate in an interactive entertainment, including shows, jousting matches and performance art. In addition, Renaissance faires feature art work, food and artisan-crafted items that reflect upon a much simpler yet somehow more extravagant and romantic era.

At many faires, you can get a discount simply for showing up in costume. Not only is dressing in Renaissance outfits a great way to save money, it is a fantastic opportunity to blend in and completely immerse yourself in your unique surroundings.

Before your next trip to the Renaissance faire, head to Pearson’s Renaissance Shoppe to find a large selection of accessories and clothing items that are certain to put you in a festive state of mind. We offer many options for men, women and children, from princess dresses to pauper digs, so you can dress the whole family in one great online location. The faire season runs in many locations until the end of October, so there is still time to order Renaissance outfits for 2012. You will undoubtedly continue to enjoy your articles throughout the 2013 season, as well.

The Renaissance Faire is nearing, and your thoughts are turning to choice of garb.  Why not break with tradition and decorum, opting to attend as a pirate queen?  After all, a little excitement is in order when it comes to being a part of one of the big events of the season.  As a pirate queen, you have license to be flirty and fun.  A pirate fancy dress costume will allow you to get into character for the event, giving you a unique platform for promoting pirate speech.

It’s fun to have some cohorts in your venture, and your family and friends may easily cooperate as scaliwags.  Finding your pirate fancy dress costume while helping them to find the right gear to be your band of buccaneers will be an adventure in its own right.  If you are involved in the planning of your local Renaissance Faire, though, it will be even more exciting to plan some surprises for those in attendance.  Whether you stage a pirate raid or set up a walking the plank booth, you will have an amazing time as you bring the sense of the Seven Seas to your community and to your friends.

Scottish Kilts In Military History

Now considered to be the national dress of the country of Scotland, Medieval Kilts were originally worn by Scottish Highlanders who wanted the ability to move freely about in battle. No documentation of the existence of this garment occurs before 1575. The first recorded instance of kilts being worn as a military garment appeared in 1594 in “The Life of Red Hugh O’Donnell.”

Medieval kilts also provided warmth. Made of tightly woven wool, kilts created a barrier between rain and the skin. Pleats afforded a minor form of protection similar to armor. Because the garment could be easily removed, soldiers often used them like a blanket, spreading their kilts upon the ground at night.

Originally kilts were referred to as the feileadh mhór (philamore), or the big wrap. Top and bottom portions were separate with the top detachable and worn over the shoulder for comfort. Initially the garment’s apron was also left unattached while worn. Early versions also did not have the tartans that characterize contemporary kilts.

Today’s kilts have tartans denoting the Scottish clan of which the wearer is a member. These garments are also much shorter than those worn in the past and are often used for ceremonial occasions.

What are your favorite Renaissance Faire Activities?

If you love to visit Renaissance events in August, then it’s time to plan ahead.  Whether you are visiting a Shakespearean festival or a local fair, there are many events slated during the summer months, and August is one of the most active for enjoying the old time atmosphere of such events.

You will need to allow plenty of time for your Renaissance costumes to arrive, and while there may be options for expedited shipping with various retailers, the costs can be excessive because of the weight of some of the materials.  This is especially true if you are ordering a chain mail armor outfit or a long Renaissance gown.  Make sure that you take correct measurements so that you order in correct sizes.

When you select your Renaissance costumes, keep in mind that the timing of an August event will entail warm weather and the potential for rain.  Summer monsoon season can present a danger for those planning to wear armor costumes, so determine what kind of shelter will be available if you plan to wear such garb.  Hats are excellent for providing a little bit of protection from the hot August sun, and you will want to make sure that all of your family members include hats in their Renaissance wardrobes.

Complete your costume with these accessories

Many think of men’s accessories for Medieval attire in terms of crowns. However, Mens Medieval Jewelry can also include rings and cloak pins. Belt buckles and rustic pendants are another way that you can complement your outfit. Whether you are staging a play that involves Medieval attire or you are dressing for a Renaissance festival, there’s nothing quite as fun as finding great clothing to reflect the enchanting appeal of the period.

For women, it seems simple enough to create a wonderful wardrobe. Men can add to their apparel wonderfully, as well, with both period clothing and accessories. Mens Medieval jewelry is elegant and interesting, perfect for completing a regal look. A knightly chain can add just a hint of embellishment that creates a look of distinction. If you are involved in a SCA event, of course, the most regal embellishments would be meant for those bearing official titles and positions. In a high school production, though, a crown is perfect for adding to the wardrobe department of the schools’ little theater. Many Medieval and fantasy tales include a piece of jewelry or adornment at the center of the theme, making it fun for the avid fan of a series to own a piece that reflects that saga.

Find a plethora of Men’s Medieval Jewelry options available at PearsonsRenaissanceShoppe.com.

Boots in case there's a snake in the grass.

Summer snake activity can be frightening for those that don’t like the slithery creatures. Whether you are confronted with a venomous snake or a non-venomous variety, you should stay away from the creature in order to avoid being bit. While most snakes will flee from a person, there are some aggressive species that can decide to stand their ground. Especially in rural settings, there is high potential for running into reptiles, but protective footwear can improve your chances of avoiding problems in such encounters. Medieval boots are excellent for use as protective wear.

Medieval boots are crafted of thick leather, making them less susceptible to the fangs of a snake. While most people worry about venomous species, there are aggressive snakes like red racers that pose little threat in terms of venom but still have a tendency to stand their ground and act aggressively. Infections from bites are of concern, but stout boots will provide excellent protection. Whether you are attending a Renaissance or Shakespearean event for fun, or are going to a Live Action Role Playing (LARP) weekend, your thick boots will provide a barrier that extends over your calf, keeping you safer from any potential snakes you may step too close to in the area.