Renaissance peasant garb is the most popular costumes worn at a Renaissance faire. That's because, unlike a noble's costume which may be made of silk and velvet, the clothes of the common folk were made of natural, comfortable fibers and is less expensive to make as well. There are no embellishments, and a reasonable facsimile of peasant's garb can be re-created from modern items. Women wore skirts, chemises (an under-dress that resembles a nightgown), a blouse and a bodice. Men wore shirts and pants. Children wore small versions of adult clothing. All men, women and children wore head coverings. The most common of these was known as a biggin. This was a bag-like hat that tied under the chin. Shoes should be made of leather and died in natural colors. Nubby, linen-looking cloth with a coarse weave dyed in natural colors is an excellent choice for shirts, skirts or pants. Ensure that zippers and modern buttons are not visible on any clothing. Laces were popular closures during this time.
Although the Renaissance faire has its roots in reenactment, the carnival atmosphere has lent itself to fantasy and pretending. It is not surprising to see many actors and even guests dressed as pirates, fairies and gypsies. For a pirate costume, you can choose a pair of tall boots that turn down, baggy canvas pants with drawstrings, a blousy canvas shirt, a sash and a bandanna or felt hat with the brim turned up. A gypsy costume may entail layered circle or broomstick skirts, harem pants or pantaloons, choli tops and coin belts. A fairy costume may be made using a Halloween costume pattern, or purchased in a costume shop.
During the Renaissance, the burgeoning middle class was able to afford to dress like lords and ladies. Because of this, there were very specific laws on how to dress during the Renaissance. Men wore doublets and tights (known as hose), or ballooned pantaloons (known as slops). Women wore corsets or doublets as well. Because certain fabrics were prohibited for outer garments, the garment was sometimes slashed or paned (constructed in strips) so that a more luxurious inner fabric could show through. Women covered their heads with a hairnet known as a caul, and men and women both wore a pillow-like flat cap or a tall hat, which is the precursor to the top hat. A woman also wore hoop underskirts stiffened with bone known as a farthingale, and padded her hips with a padded roll known as a bum roll.